Donald Trump and Jimmy Kimmel
R&B singer The Weeknd and rapper Belly have reportedly canceled their scheduled performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” because Donald Trump would be appearing also on the episode.
According to the Associated Press, both Oscar-nominated musicians were slated to record their performance Wednesday in Los Angeles for the late-night ABC show.
Report has it that Belly canceled his schedule because he didn’t want to be seen sharing a stage with Trump and disagrees with the Republican presidential nominee’s views and beliefs.
“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 been criticized by some political rivals and voters for his comments on topics including women, refugees, immigrants and Muslims, such as when he said some Mexican immigrants in the U.S. illegally are “rapists” and when he called for a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States.
Donald Trump, who has now lockdown the Republican presidential ticket by reaching the number of delegates needed to secure the party’s presidential nomination.
The Weeknd, who is reported to be of Islamic faith, won two Grammy Awards earlier this year, including best urban contemporary album for “Beauty Behind the Madness.” Belly has co-written many of The Weeknd’s hits, including “Earned It,” ”The Hills,” ”Into the Night” and “Often.”
The Weeknd appears on Belly’s song “Might Not,” which they were set to perform on Kimmel’s show.
Belly, who’s signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation management, will release a new mixtape, “Another Day In Paradise,” on Friday.
“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.”
Rapper Belly shared an Oscar nomination for best original song with The Weeknd for “Earned It,” which appears on the “Fifty Shades of Grey” soundtrack.
Belly and The Weekend are Canadians making waves in the US and worldwide. Belly also co-wrote Beyonce’s “6 Inch,” which features vocals from The Weeknd and appears on her “Lemonade” album
