Rising star Belly and The Weeknd cancelled their performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” because Donald Trump was a scheduled guest on the same episode.
The XO affiliates were slated to perform their hit collaboration “Might Not” on Wednesday in Hollywood, but Belly did not want to share a stage with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee because he does not agree with his views and beliefs.
“I feel like the way I was raised was to be able to see through all the titles in this world—from religion to race,” Belly said in a statement. “I just didn’t want to feel like I was a part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that majority of us don’t agree with.”
Belly, who grew up as a minority immigrant in Canada, is taking a stand against Trump, who has made detrimental remarks about minorities, women, and religious groups.
His television debut was meant to promote the release of his mixtape Another Day in Paradise, which drops Friday and features Lil Wayne, Kehlani, and B Real.
“I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” said Belly. “I create songs people go to sleep and wake up to, songs that they fall in love to. For me, being Muslim and being somebody that appreciates my access here in America, I love the fact that I’m able to be here. To play my part in this business is a privilege and a beautiful thing. The fact that I could lose that ability through the actions of someone such as Donald Trump isn’t right to me. At all.”
Belly, who is signed to Roc Nation management, shared an Oscar nomination with The Weeknd for Best Original Song (“Earned It”) and co-wrote Beyoncé’s “6 Inch” off of LEMONADE.
