Rapper Belly and R&B singer The Weeknd, who were set to perform on Wednesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, cancelled their appearance after knowing that they will be on the show with Presidential candidate Donald Trump because they did not agree with his political views.
“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 to the 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.
Belly was slated to perform his song “Might Not” featuring The Weeknd, NME reported. The two musicians received an Oscar nomination for their single, "Earned It" which is the soundtrack of Fifty Shades of Grey. Belly added that he is there to "campaign positivity and love" and to contribute to the music industry.
“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,” he continued.
The Weeknd, who has co-written songs with Belly like "The Hills," "Into the Night" and "Often," did not comment about their cancellation.
Instead of Belly and The Weeknd, Gregory Porter came to Jimmy Kimmel Live as the musical guest. A representative of the show declined to comment on the matter, The Wrap reported.
Recently, The Weeknd won big on the Billboard Music Awards 2016 with a total of eight awards. He also won two Grammy Awards for "Beauty Behind the Madness."
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