Canadian artists the Weeknd and Belly pulled out of a planned performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! today (May 25) because Donald Trump was slated to appear on the same episode.
As ABC News reports, the two musicians were to hit the show to perform their "Might Not" collaboration, but cancelled at the last minute because their beliefs don't line up with those of the Republican hopeful.
"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."
In particular, Belly criticizes Trump's divisive views on race and the Muslim religion. Throughout his Republican nomination bid, Trump has accused Mexicans of being "rapists" and called for a ban on letting Muslim immigrants into the U.S.
"I'm here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music," Belly added. "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."
The Weeknd has not yet addressed the joint cancellation. Likewise, Donald Trump has yet to air his position on the snub, nor has anyone from Jimmy Kimmel Live!
As previously reported, Belly's "Live from the Shadows" tours kicks off at the end of June and will feature Canadian stops in Surrey, Toronto, Quebec City, Ottawa and Montreal. You'll find all of the date and venue details over here.
As ABC News reports, the two musicians were to hit the show to perform their "Might Not" collaboration, but cancelled at the last minute because their beliefs don't line up with those of the Republican hopeful.
"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."
In particular, Belly criticizes Trump's divisive views on race and the Muslim religion. Throughout his Republican nomination bid, Trump has accused Mexicans of being "rapists" and called for a ban on letting Muslim immigrants into the U.S.
"I'm here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music," Belly added. "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."
The Weeknd has not yet addressed the joint cancellation. Likewise, Donald Trump has yet to air his position on the snub, nor has anyone from Jimmy Kimmel Live!
As previously reported, Belly's "Live from the Shadows" tours kicks off at the end of June and will feature Canadian stops in Surrey, Toronto, Quebec City, Ottawa and Montreal. You'll find all of the date and venue details over here.
