Nelly defends performance at Trump inauguration ball amid backlash

Nelly defends his decision to perform at Trump's inaugural ball, saying he respects the office, not politics.

Rapper Nelly is addressing backlash after announcing he will perform at the Liberty Ball, one of the official inaugural balls for President-elect Donald Trump.

Speaking with Willie D during a YouTube stream, Nelly explained that his performance isn't about endorsing Trump but about showing respect for the office of the president.

“I respect the office,” said the 50-year-old rapper. “This isn’t politics for me. He won, he’s the president. That’s what matters.” Nelly emphasized that he would have performed for any president, whether it was Trump or President Biden, stating, “It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”

Despite the criticism, Nelly brushed off the backlash, explaining that he has faced criticism throughout his career. He made it clear that his stance is one of respect for the office, not political alignment. Some fans, however, disagreed with his position, with some announcing they would no longer support his music.

Nelly joins other artists like Carrie Underwood and the Village People, who have also faced backlash for performing at the inauguration. In a similar vein, Snoop Dogg and Jelly Roll received criticism for participating in related events. Despite the pushback, these artists have stood firm in their decisions, citing their belief in music as a tool for unity beyond politics.