Nelly defends Trump inauguration performance after massive backlash
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Rapper Nelly has defended his decision to play at Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. The Ride Wit Me hitmaker is a part of the lineup performing at Trump’s second inauguration at the US Capitol on Monday. Other acts set to perform at events surrounding the occasion include country music artists like Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Village People, and Jason Aldean.
![[EXCLUSIVE!!! NELLY RESPONDS TO BACKLASH FOR PERFORMING AT TRUMP'S INAUGURATION Willie D Live]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236597377-c214.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
In a new interview with Geto Boys’ Willie D, Nelly has defended his decision to perform at the festivities, saying ‘the things you do’ are more important than ‘the things you say should be done.’. He said: ‘I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices. If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument. He is the president. He won.’.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by Daniel DeSlover/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock (14626476a) Rapper NELLY (CORNELL HAYNES JR.) during Stagecoach Music Festival at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California Stagecoach Music Festival 2023, Indio, California, U.S. - 29 Apr 2023]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236596756-b743.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
He continued: ‘I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor. I respect the office. It don’t matter who is in office. The same way our brothers and sisters go to war to put their life on the line for whoever is in office. So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office.’.
Fans online weren’t thrilled with Nelly’s explanation, with user @BluntVoices writing: ‘Respecting the office is one thing, but ignoring the harm caused by the person in it is another. Accountability matters.’. @TheWestWolfPod posted: ‘Sooooo you did it for the money. Got it.’.
