Janelle Monáe labels President Donald Trump a “bully”
At the Human Rights Campaign’s dinner in Los Angeles on March 22nd, Janelle Monáe used her acceptance speech to denounce President Donald Trump.
The event took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles in celebration of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group on March 22nd. During the ceremony, Monáe was honoured with the Equality Award and Hacks star Hannah Einbender presented the Visibility Award for expanding LGBTQ+ representation on and off-screen.
Upon taking to the stage, Monáe held back from referring to Trump directly by name but made it clear that it was aimed towards him and his administration.
According to Variety, she said: “Bullies only win when we let them think they can. Here’s the truth, bullying doesn’t stop when we grow up. It doesn’t end when we leave school. It just gets bigger. It rebrands itself. The bully gets elected president.”
At the end of her speech, Monáe attempted to galvanise those in the audience to fight back at those in power, adding, “Let’s make it clear. We will challenge the giant.”
Monáe has been critical of Trump on many occasions, including criticising rapper Nelly for performing at the Republican politician’s inauguration earlier this year. “Fuck you Nelly. I used to like Nelly, but then he went to perform for Donald Trump,” she rapped at a Grammys after party.
The singer also accused Nelly of selling out for appearing at the inauguration before adding, “I used to think you were cool, But now you look like a motherfucking fool.”
Last year, Monáe performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and used the platform to encourage those in attendance to come together amid the current political landscape.
She powerfully said at Worthy Farm: “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart if you supported me. The one thing I want to mention is that we have the best community, it’s not because we look the coolest or are the coolest, but it’s the way that we protect other marginalised people. I’m looking at all these flags and it’s clear that we are going to protect us. No politician, but we the people will have to show up.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.