
Nelly will perform at the Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday, January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. He joins Carrie Underwood, The Village People and Christopher Macchio in performing at events celebrating the inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump. In response, fans have flooded various social media apps with their thoughts on the St. Louis native’s decision to perform at the inaugural event.
“Saying f—k you to the black community by publicly supporting a man that makes it clear he don’t like us nor care about us is insane,” one social media user under the handle, @KhaleelahsWorld, wrote.
“The good thing about Nelly performing for an unapologetic convicted felon, is we know moving forward who to and who not to give energy and our money too. I appreciate people telling on themselves,” another X user, @ImKnotTheOne, added.
After receiving backlash from fans, Nelly spoke to Willie D about his decision to perform at the event.
“I’m not here to take up for Trump, I’m not here to take up for Republicans. I’m not here to take up for Democrats,” he explained.
“Performing for somebody and voting for somebody is two different things. Endorsing people is two different things.”
Nelly follows several artists who have recently garnered criticism for performing at events in Washington, D.C. before Inauguration Day. Rick Ross, Soulja Boy and Snoop Dogg have all received criticism after electing to perform at the Crypto Ball on Friday, January 17.