Janelle Monáe blasts Nelly for Donald Trump inauguration performance: 'F--- you'

Janelle Monáe had some scathing words for Nelly following his performance at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.

While performing the rapper's "Hot in Herre" at a Grammys afterparty in Los Angeles on Sunday night alongside Anderson .Paak, Monáe issued a message to Nelly: "F--- you!" She elaborated to the crowd, "I used to like Nelly but then he went to perform for Donald Trump."

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Expressing her solidarity with minority groups amid Trump's criticism of DEI and his mass deportation plans, Monáe broke out into an impromptu rap: "Nelly, you sold out. I used to think he was cool, but now you look like a motherf---ing fool. . . f--- you, you get a new attitude."

Nelly helped ring in the inauguration of Trump on Jan. 20 by performing at the Liberty Ball. Snoop Dogg, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, and Carrie Underwood were among the performers tapped that inauguration weekend.

In response to the backlash, Nelly said he was "not political" and called it an "honor" to perform. "I respect the office," Nelly said in conversation with rapper Willie D. "This isn't politics. The politics, for me, is over. He won! He's the president. He's the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world."

"It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office," added the rapper. "If President Biden would've asked me to perform, I would've performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris would've won and asked me to perform, I would've performed."

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When asked if he was a Trump supporter, he said, "I support the president of the United States regardless of who is in office. Regardless, I respect the office."

The new administration certainly lingered over music's biggest night on Sunday. Host Trevor Noah made several digs at Trump, including remarks about how he intended to "enjoy tonight because this may be my last time I get to host anything in this country." Dr. Dre Global Impact Award recipient Alicia Keys addressed the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, while artists like Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan advocated for trans rights amid a series of executive orders targeting the community.

Monáe, a ten-time nominee, attended this year's ceremony as a performer for the Quincy Jones tribute. She performed a cover of Michael Jackson's Jones-produced hit "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly