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Janelle Monáe Calls Out Nelly at Grammys Event
In a bold statement that has captured public attention, musician Janelle Monáe openly criticized rapper Nelly for his performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration events last month. During a lively Grammys afterparty, Monáe expressed her disdain, stating that Nelly now resembles “a motherf—ing fool” for his choices.
Monáe’s Unfiltered Message
On Sunday night, while performing a rendition of Nelly’s popular track “Hot in Herre,” Monáe took the opportunity to voice her strong opinions. With an improvised twist, she exclaimed, “F— you, Nelly,” and accused him of “selling out.” Her comments resonated with many who share her liberal views on political involvement in the entertainment sector.
“I used to like Nelly, but then he went to perform for Donald Trump,” Monáe remarked, emphasizing her commitment to social issues, stating, “I care about women, I care about Hispanics…” This heartfelt declaration underscored her stance on artists and their responsibilities in politically charged environments.
Nelly Defends His Decision
In January, Nelly defended his performance at the inauguration, calling it an “honor” to entertain at such a prestigious event. He explained his views in an interview, asserting, “It was an honor to have performed for the highest office in the greatest nation. Now we look to the president to step up, serve, and lift us all.” Despite backlash from fans and critics alike, Nelly maintains his position in support of the presidential office.
Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., also participated in the Liberty Ball alongside other artists like Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus. Throughout the evening, he mingled with military personnel, highlighting his family’s military connections—a gesture that underscored his respect for the institution of the presidency.
Respecting the Office
Defending his choices, Nelly reiterated that his motivation was not monetary. He declared, “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor. I respect the office.” He emphasized that performing for any president should be viewed in the same light as military service, which often requires sacrifices regardless of political opinions.
Snoop Dogg, another artist who faced criticism for participating in the Trump inauguration celebrations, also pivoted from his previous stances. He similarly experienced backlash, but chose to respond with positivity, emphasizing love over hate. In a candid Instagram video, he stated, “It’s Sunday, I got gospel in my heart… Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together.”
Monáe’s History of Strong Opinions
Janelle Monáe’s disdain for individuals aligning themselves with Trump is not new. In 2020, she voiced similar sentiments, stating, “F— Donald Tromp [sic] and every American citizen, celebrity, white woman, black man, ETC who supported him burnnnnnnnnnn.” This has established her reputation as an outspoken advocate for social justice and political accountability in the music industry.
Her recent critique of Nelly highlights a broader dialogue about artists’ roles in politics and how public figures navigate their choices in a polarized environment. The discussions generated by her comments are likely to continue, as artists and fans alike grapple with the implications of political decisions in the realm of entertainment.
