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Nelly has blunt response to critics as he reveals real reason he's performing at Trump’s inauguration

Home> Entertainment> Music

Updated 12:17 20 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 11:55 20 Jan 2025 GMT

Nelly has blunt response to critics as he reveals real reason he's performing at Trump’s inauguration

The 'Dilemma' hitmaker has defended his performance with a savage statement

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

Like several other stars scheduled to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration later today, musician Nelly has found himself in hot water.

Interestingly, however, after catching wind of the criticism he's been subjected, he's released a rather savage statement online.

Trump will be sworn in as the US' 47th president later today (around 5.00pm UK time), in an indoor ceremony.

Organisers had intended for the event to take place on the Capitol lawn in front of a crowd of thousands, but the freezing temperatures in Washington DC have resulted in ticket-holders having their attendance cancelled.

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As has been the case for decades, the inauguration will see a handful of chart-topping musicians performing.

Among them is country star Carrie Underwood, who previously told press she's 'honoured' to be a part of this 'historic event', despite backlash.

Kid Rock will also perform, sharing the stage with the Village People and Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as Greenwood and Liberty University's Praise Choir.

As we say, however, 50-year-old Grammy winner Nelly is also set to take part, and today he's laid out his stance on the matter following criticism from fans.

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The singer has now spoken out about his decision (Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
The singer has now spoken out about his decision (Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Speaking on the Geto Boys podcast to Willie D, the 'Dilemna' hit-maker began by arguing that 'the things you do' are considerably more important than 'the things you say should be done'.

The singer went on: "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."

Speaking of 78-year-old Trump directly, he added: "He is the president. He won. I’m not doing this for money.

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"I’m doing this because it’s an honour. I respect the office."

Nelly went on to say: "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."

He also went on to address allegations that, by performing at the ceremony, he's endorsing a 'white supremacist' in Trump.

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Trump's inauguration will take place later today (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Trump's inauguration will take place later today (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Demanding evidence for his support of the Republican politician, he added: "I'm not saying that he ain't got some f---ed up ways, that's why I'm not telling you who to vote for.

"What I'm saying is that he's the president of the United States. He's not the candidate for the United States - he's the president.

"He won."

Featured Image Credit: Steve Jennings/Getty Images/Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Topics: Celebrity, Music, Politics, Donald Trump, US News, News

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

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@rhiannaBjourno

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