Nelly is responding to criticism of his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inaugural festivities.
The “Hot in Herre” rapper has faced anger from some of his fans after agreeing to help celebrate Trump’s return to the White House. CBS News reports Nelly, 50, will take the stage at the Liberty Ball on Monday night in Washington, D.C.
In an interview with podcaster Willie D on Saturday, Jan. 19, Nelly explained his reasons for accepting the invitation.
“I’m not doing this for money, I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor,” the St. Louis rapper said.
He noted that Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, never invited him to perform during her campaign.
Related: Oprah Shuts Down Claims She Pocketed $1 Million to Endorse Kamala Harris
“I’m not doing this for money.”
Nelly responds to backlash for agreeing to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration and challenges critics to show proof that Donald Trump is a white supremacist.
(? Willie D Live /YouTube) pic.twitter.com/OSJmeM47IG
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) January 19, 2025
Nelly, born Cornell Haynes Jr., insisted his decision to perform was not about politics.
“I’m not political. I’m not out here trying to tell anybody who they should vote for,” he said. “I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people who you love and who you provide for.”
“The politics are over. He won,” Nelly added about Trump.
Later in the interview, the rapper compared himself to members of the military.
“I respect the office. It don’t matter who is in office. The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters, who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever is in office,” he stated. “If they can put their life on the line for whoever’s in office, I can damn sure perform.”
Nelly also brushed off concerns that Trump has allied himself with white supremacists and insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
“I would ask [critics] to show me where he’s a white supremacist,” he said, adding that he believes Trump has changed. “We can talk about the past, but we can never talk about our past.”
“If my past was what was going to prevent me from winning today, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I’m not saying that he ain’t got some f–ked up ways, that’s why I’m not telling you who to vote for.”
Snoop Dogg, Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, and the Village People are also slated to perform at Trump’s inaugural events on Monday, Jan. 20.
To listen to the full 50-minute interview, click here.
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