Nelly’s decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration sparked a tense moment on Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together.
In a scene from the reality show, Ashanti informs her mother, Tina Douglas, that Nelly is considering the gig—leaving Douglas visibly shocked. Ashanti tries to explain her husband’s reasoning, saying, “This is more about the opportunity of performing at the White House as opposed to performing for a particular candidate.”
“This is very emotional for me,” Douglas says during a confessional with Ashanti by her side. She then reveals her deep-rooted concerns, sharing that her father was a civil rights activist who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and played a major role in fighting segregation in their hometown.
Ashanti tells her mom that the decision was ultimately Nelly’s, but admits she feels conflicted.
“As your mom and your manager, it’s my job to make sure you can voice your opinion on what you feel and what you know,” Douglas says. Just then, Nelly walks in and casually confirms, “It’s happening. No big deal.”
Back in January, reports surfaced that Nelly would be performing at Trump’s inauguration. The Country Grammar rapper later defended his choice during a chat with podcaster Willie D, calling the invite an “honor.”
“If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument,” Nelly said. “He’s the president. He won. This isn’t a campaign—this isn’t the RNC.”
“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor,” he added. “I respect the office. It don’t matter who’s in office. The same way our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line regardless of who’s president, I can damn sure perform.”
