Janelle Monáe lashes out at Nelly for performing at Trump’s inauguration

In January 2021, during a Grammy afterparty in Los Angeles, Janelle Monáe publicly expressed her disdain for rapper Nelly due to his performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration. Monáe, while performing a cover of Nelly's song 'Hot in Herre,' altered the lyrics to voice her disapproval, highlighting her former admiration for him but lamenting his choice to support Trump. She referred to him as a 'motherf***ing fool' and stated, 'Nelly, you sold out.' This remark stemmed from her concerns over Trump's executive orders that aimed to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Monáe emphasized her belief in the importance of advocating for marginalized communities, contrasting her values with Nelly's actions. Nelly, who performed at the Liberty Ball on January 20, defended his decision to participate, suggesting that he is not involved in politics and encouraged people to form their own opinions. He expressed a desire to respect the office of the president and noted that his performance opportunity would have been the same regardless of which party was in power. Nelly's rationale was met with backlash, with observers interpreting his actions as lacking political sensitivity. During the Grammys event, Monáe was not the only artist to criticize Trump’s policies; Alicia Keys also defended the importance of diversity and inclusion in her speech. The reception to Trump’s administration has been divided, with some people supporting his policies while others, including advocacy groups, have condemned them for threatening decades of civil rights progress. This marked further polarization in the artistic community regarding political affiliations and responsibilities. The fallout from Monáe's remarks highlights the ongoing discourse surrounding celebrity participation in political events and their implications. The criticism of Nelly serves as an example of how public figures are held accountable for their actions, especially in politically sensitive contexts. It raises questions about the influence of artistry in activism and how personal beliefs intersect with professional choices.