
Rapper Nelly angered his fanbase by agreeing to perform for President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Ball on January 20.
In a recent interview, Nelly, 50, denied reports that he’s MAGA. He also slammed former Vice President Kamala Harris for locking up a record number of Black men while state prosecutor for California.
“Where did you get pro-Donald?” Nelly asked Hot97 host Ebro Darden. The rapper said he had “respect” for the office of the presidency.

In a comment on the Shaderoom Instagram blog, Nelly referred to Kamala Harris as “the prosecutor who has probably locked up more Black men than we’ve helped woman of color with the white husband did not win the election … Again I reiterate, I did not campaign for anyone. I do not tell people who to vote for. I respect and love our country from top to bottom good and bad.”
On an episode of Nelly & Ashanti’s new reality TV show, Ashanti’s mother expressed her disappointment with Nelly’s decision.

Ashanti and her mom, Tina Douglas, discussed her husband’s decision. Ashanti said there are pros and cons to everything, even though she disagreed with him performing.
Tina said her dad marched for civil rights and Nelly’s decision was “very emotional” for her. “My dad was heavy into civil rights,” said Tina. “He marched on Washington with Martin Luther King, and he also marched to Selma. When he came back to Glen Cove, he started to integrate the systems, the school system, the fire department, the police department. So he was deeply, deeply involved in civil rights and I’m very proud of him.”

Tina asked Ashanti for her thoughts and views on Nelly’s decision. “Ashanti replied, “Ultimately, it’s his decision. This is a new role. Being a wife is different than being a girlfriend,” Ashanti added.
Tina said, “This is a forever thing. So no matter what happens, you’re still gonna come together.”
Later, in a confessional, Tina said Ashanti tries her best in the marriage. “They’re a team.”
Watch the clip below.
Ashanti’s mom was OVER Nelly after she heard he was performing at Tr*mps Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/stJo8xavLr
— Boochie is the Name (@stoppfeenin) June 28, 2025