Donald Trump's presence on the Wednesday night episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! led to musical guests The Weeknd and regular collaborator, rapper and songwriter Belly, pulling out of the recording. They were due to perform their collaborative track "Might Not" together. In a statement, Belly said that he couldn't be part of something promoting the Republican candidate.
“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 told Associated Press. “I just didn’t want to feel like I was a part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that the majority of us don’t agree with. I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” he added. “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.”
Reps for both The Weeknd and Belly did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
