The Weeknd and Belly canceled their scheduled performance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show Wednesday night because of Donald Trump.
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The singer and rapper, who are both from Canada, were supposed to perform on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” but Belly — whose real name is Ahmad Balshe — issued a statement at the last minute.
“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. “I just didn’t want to feel like I was a part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that [the] majority of us don’t agree with.”
Belly added that he is Muslim.
“I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” he continued.
“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.”