*The Weeknd and rapper Belly were supposed to perform on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Wednesday, but pulled out when they heard that Donald Trump would be on the same episode.
The Oscar-nominated musicians, both from Canada, were slated to record a performance of their collabo “Might Not” for the late-night ABC show. Belly said he canceled because he didn’t want to share a stage with Trump and disagrees with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s views and beliefs.
“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.”
Trump has been criticized for his comments on such topics as women, refugees, immigrants and Muslims, such as when he said some Mexican immigrants in the U.S. illegally are “rapists” and when he called for a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States.
“I’m here on a campaign of positivity and love and to contribute what I can to music,” Belly 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.”
Belly, who’s signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation management, is set to release a new mixtape, “Another Day In Paradise,” on Friday. He co-wrote several of the Weeknd’s hits, including “Earned It,” “The Hills,” “Into the Night” and “Often.”
Belly also co-wrote Beyonce’s “6 Inch,” which features vocals from The Weeknd and appears on her “Lemonade” album.
Watch the video for “Might Not” below:
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