Recording artists The Weeknd and Belly made a political statement when they decided to cancel their May 25 appearance on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” because Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was also scheduled to appear on the late night talk show.
In a statement released via the Associated Press, Muslim rapper Belly, real name Ahmad Balshe, felt it wouldn’t be right to share the same space with someone who’s spewed hate.
“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. 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 said.
“I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” the Canadian native 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.”
