Rapper Nelly hits back at backlash to Trump inauguration performance as he slaps down complaints: ‘An honour!’
Rapper Nelly has defended his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration today, stating it is “an honour” rather than a financial opportunity.
The 50-year-old Grammy winner will take the stage at the Liberty Ball, one of three official inaugural balls celebrating Trump’s return to the presidency.
Speaking on Willie D Live on Saturday, the Dilemma hitmaker dismissed criticism of his involvement, emphasising his respect for the office regardless of its occupant.
“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honour,” Nelly told the podcast host.
In a lengthy defence of his decision, Nelly explained his stance was about civic duty rather than politics.
“I respect the office. This isn’t politics. The politics, for me, it’s over. He won. He’s the president,” the rapper said.
He drew parallels between his performance and military service, stating: “The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and put their life on the line for whoever is in office… I can damn sure perform.”
The St Louis rapper insisted he would have performed for any president, including Joe Biden or Kamala Harris had they won.
“I’m not here to take up for Trump, I’m not here to take up for Republicans,” he added.
Some social media users have strongly criticised Nelly’s stance, with many expressing disappointment in his decision.
“Nelly’s explanation for performing at Trump’s inauguration has got to be the dumbest explanation provided,” wrote one user on X.
Another critic stated: “Respecting the office is one thing, but ignoring the harm caused by the person in it is another. Accountability matters.”
Some fans even announced they will no longer support the rapper’s music.
“Nelly made his decision which he had a right to do, we do as well and my decision is to no longer support Nelly in any aspect, music or otherwise,” one comment read.
The inauguration ceremony has been moved indoors due to freezing temperatures in Washington DC, with ticket-holders having their attendance cancelled.
Carrie Underwood will perform America the Beautiful at the main ceremony, stating she is “humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together”.
The Village People will join Nelly at the Liberty Ball, despite previous opposition to Trump’s use of their song YMCA at rallies.
Other performers include Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood and Liberty University’s Praise Choir.
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The event marks Trump’s return as the 47th president of the United States, with the ceremony scheduled for 5pm GMT.
In 2017, Nelly expressed a markedly different view of Trump in an interview with Page Six.
“You know the thing about Donald Trump is that I liked Donald Trump, I did, I just don’t like Donald Trump as my president,” he said at the time.
The rapper had particularly criticised Trump’s impact on his hotel stays, stating: “I’m more or less mad at him because I can’t stay at his hotel now. You done fucked that up. And I’ve been staying there for 15 years.”
Despite his previous criticism, Nelly now maintains that respecting the office transcends personal opinions of its holder.