Grammy-winning musicians Weeknd, right, and Belly, left, canceled their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday in protest over presidential frontrunner Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance on the same show.
The rappers were set to tape their performance of Belly’s song “Might Not” on Wednesday at the ABC studios in Los Angeles. But Belly, who is Muslim, nixed their performance because he didn’t agree with Trump’s politics.
“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.”
Trump has received criticism for his controversial statements on Muslims and Mexicans, such as his statement that some Mexicans, who are in this country illegally, commit murders and rapes on American soil.
Belly, who shared Oscar nominations with Weeknd for his song “Earned It” off the Fifty Shades of Grey movie soundtrack, co-wrote tracks on Weeknd’s Grammy-winning album, Beauty Behind the Madness, including “The Hills,” “Into the Night” and “Often”.
“I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” Belly said. “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.”
Weeknd did not respond to the NY Daily News‘ request for a comment.
Trump, who probably never heard of either artist, couldn’t care less to respond.
