Canadian-born singer The Weeknd and rapper Belly cancelled their Jimmy Kimmel Live! gig on Wednesday (May 25) because Donald Trump was scheduled to appear in the same episode.
The Oscar-nominated artists were set to perform Belly’s song “Might Not” on the late-night ABC show.
Though The Weeknd didn’t immediately make a comment, Belly said he cancelled his appearance because he disagrees with the Republican presidential nominee and did not want to share a stage with him.
“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,” said Belly 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.”
Belly in “Might Not (ft. The Weeknd)” video
The Weeknd won a Grammy this year for Best Urban Contemporary Album for his Beauty Behind the Madness, which was also nominated for Album of The Year. Belly has co-written many of his hit singles, including “Earned It,” ”The Hills,” ”Into the Night” and “Often.”
The two shared an Oscar nominated for best original song for “Earned It” which was featured in the film Fifty Shades of Grey.
“I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” said Belly. “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.”
2016 Billboard Music Awards: See who takes home the trophies
In a related story, The Weeknd recently swept eight Billboard Music Awards, being the Sunday night’s ceremony’s biggest winner. See our complete winners’ list here.
