The Weeknd And Belly Pull Out Of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Because Of Donald Trump

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Set to tape their performance of their smash hit “Might Not” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last night, The Weeknd and rapper Belly pulled out once they learned that Donald Trump was also set to appear on the same episode. While The Weeknd has yet to release a statement concerning the issue, Belly was very vocal about his musical mission and how Trump’s vitriolic, racist and Islamophobic campaign goes against everything Belly stands for as an artist.

In a statement released last night, Belly writes: “I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music. 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.”

Belly taking a stand against Trump is a great example of how musicians can use their influence to make a statement and impact concerning politics. While it may not seem like much, things like this show the world how some of our greatest cultural influencers and shapers won’t stand for Trump or his message of hate. Kudos to Belly and The Weeknd for doing the right thing last night.