Pharrell Williams’ recent comments on politics have sparked renewed interest in the musician’s previous remarks on the topic, specifically surrounding President Donald Trump.
Newsweek reached out to Williams’ representative via email for comment on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Williams’ recent commentary decrying all sides of the current political divide has been met with some online backlash, with critics and supporters questioning the influence, responsibility and privilege of high-profile voices in the U.S. political landscape.
What To Know
“I hate politics,” Williams said at the 5th annual Black Ambition Demo Day on Monday, Complex reported. “Like, despise them. It’s a magic trick. It’s not real. I don’t believe in either side. Because I think when you pick a side, you are inadvertently supporting division.”
He continued: “Yes, it’s not a popular point of view, but I just gotta say, when I think about it, the wells are drying up.”
Williams’ remarks continue a pattern of neutrality. In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he shared, “I don’t do politics. In fact, I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for].”
“There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them. I’m one of them people [who says], ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” he told the outlet. “When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and s***, and they are out there walking around with a placard: ‘Shut up!'”
He further explained: “I would rather stay out of the way, and obviously, I’m going to vote how I’m going to vote. I care about my people and I care about the country, but I feel there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and I’m really about the action.”
What Has Pharrell Williams Said About Donald Trump?
Williams has also taken public legal action in political matters. In October 2018, he sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump after his hit song “Happy” was played at a Trump rally hours after the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting.
Through his attorney, Williams stated: “There was nothing ‘happy’ about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose. Pharrell has not, and will not, grant you permission to publicly perform or otherwise broadcast or disseminate any of his music.”
During a November 1, 2016, interview with Variety, the 13-time Grammy Award winner did not name names but hinted at Trump’s comments about women on the campaign trail.
“Whether you agree with our female candidate [Hillary Clinton] or not, think about the other side..this is a vital time,” he said when asked about his thoughts on politics.
“I’m praying that women come together and save this nation. When you think of the destructive things that have come from mankind—mostly men…I pray that all the women wake up, because there’s a lot of women in the fight right now,” he said.
Williams continued: “If all the women in this nation decided to vote and support the first female candidate, there would be nothing to worry about. It’s that easy. That’s where I am right now. Has she been dishonest about things? Sure. Have you? That’s all I’m asking.”
What People Are Saying
In the comments underneath a viral clip of Williams at the Black Ambition Demo Day on X, many criticized his views.
User @DapperDomo said in a message with 3.6 million views and 93,000 likes: “Being apolitical is a sign of low intelligence.”
@tiredfeminist_ posted: “I really dislike people who perform political neutrality in order to avoid having to stand for something. You’re not apolitical, you’re unprincipled.”
@jymrkmrkclr posted: “‘don’t pick sides’ sounds deep until you realize it’s just rich people code for ‘this doesn’t affect me.'”
@tallyohhh posted: “Must be nice to be so out of touch. I don’t understand how people like him say this when politics influences how people spend money to support his career.”
Others defended Williams:
@Justsimplyrob_ posted: “First person inside of rap culture that has spoke with this level of common sense. I respect it.”
@LaertiCrypto posted: “AMEN!!!!”
What Happens Next
The United States midterm elections will take place in November 2026.