Why Is Ashanti Being Blamed For Nelly’s Trump Inauguration Gig?

Ashanti has found herself at the center of an unexpected firestorm following her husband Nelly’s controversial decision to perform at President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The announcement has sparked intense backlash online, with fans questioning the couple’s political stance amid Trump’s polarizing presidency.

The backlash arises from Nelly’s choice to perform at the inauguration, which some view as an implicit support of Trump’s administration.

Despite facing criticism, Nelly has stood by his choice to perform at the inauguration ball of US President Donald Trump, stating that it is “a privilege for me to perform for the president of the United States, no matter who holds the office.”

During an interview with rapper Willie D., Nelly passionately justified his choice. “I didn’t know I had to align with your political choices,” he said. “If you follow what I stand for, there shouldn’t even be an argument. He’s the president. He won.”

Nelly said he was “not political” or “trying to tell anybody who they should vote for” by agreeing to perform at a Trump event.

“This is not me telling you, ‘Yo, you should vote for this candidate.’ I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people you love and provide for because I’m clueless on a lot of things when it gets down to it,” he said.

The ‘Dilemma’ is scheduled to perform with country musician Jason Aldean and the Village People on Monday at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of three official celebrations commemorating Trump’s return to the presidency. Additional performers at Trump’s inauguration events include Carrie Underwood, Gavin DeGraw, and Billy Ray Cyrus, all of whom have also encountered criticism from their fans.

According to Nelly, money didn’t motivate him to perform for President Trump.

“This isn’t about a paycheck. It’s about the honor of performing. I respect the office, regardless of who holds it,” he explained.

Despite his explanation, fans of both Nelly and Ashanti have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disappointment. Some users have gone so far as to call for the “cancellation” of the duo, reigniting heated debates about Black artists participating in events perceived as supportive of a presidency many view as harmful to marginalized communities.

While Nelly has addressed the backlash head-on, Ashanti has remained silent, which hasn’t stopped her from becoming collateral damage in the online drama. Many have unfairly dragged the R&B singer into the fray, with some blaming her by association for Nelly’s decision.