Music Icon Pharrell Criticizes Political Division: “I Don’t Believe in Either Side”

Pharrell Williams is making his feelings about American politics unmistakably clear.

Speaking at the 5th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day — a celebration of Black entrepreneurship held at Sacred Space Miami on Friday, Nov. 14 — the producer, designer, and Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director told the crowd he believes politics are “not real” and function largely as “a magic trick” designed to divide people.

“As we look at what’s going on, the current political climate, I’m just saying… I don’t want to turn anybody off, but I hate politics; like, despise them,” Williams said from the stage.

The Happy singer, who has previously supported Democratic candidates but stated last year he no longer discusses presidential politics, made his stance even clearer: “It’s a magic trick; it’s not real. I don’t believe in either side, ’cause I think when you pick a side, you are inadvertently supporting division.”

Williams acknowledged that his views may not be popular, but said the rollback of DEI initiatives has forced him to consider deeper questions about the future.

“Now that DEI is off the table,” he said, “it makes me ask myself, ‘How do we survive?’”

He then turned toward the crowd to pose the question, “Do you want the job because you’re Black, or because you’re the best?”

As people from the crowd can be heard answering, “The best,” the super-producer responded, “Right. So I think now, for me, it’s about us having the best ambition,” adding that people should not be supported solely based on their skin color.

“I don’t want you to give me anything. I want you to panic and not let me out the room because I’m the best,” he doubled down.

In the comments section of a video shared via X (formerly Twitter), fans were divided.

“EVERYTHING in life is politics & it’s not going to stop because YOU don’t acknowledge politics. If you don’t do politics then politics will do YOU,” one insisted, while another said, “Pharrell Williams was chosen to be LV’s Creative Director PRECISELY because of his global influence as a hip-hop artist-a BLACK art form.”

“Stop listening to these entertainment people about politics and culture norms. Wealthy Black people are not faced with the same issues as the working class Black community,” a third impassioned response read.

Meanwhile, in the comments section of a Nov. 17 Instagram post, one person had the opposite opinion, writing, “Nothing controversial about a merit based society — spot on, sir!”

“Damn no wonder he’s so successful AND involved in so little drama,” another said, while a third applauded, “So good! Voice of reason in a crazy distorted world.”

At the event, Williams was honored with the key to Miami-Dade County for his influence and impact in working to increase Black creativity, ownership, and access.

“Mayor Daniella Levine Cava presented the distinction to both Williams and Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition, saluting their work in building real avenues of opportunity for founders who rarely get a fair shot,” according to BET.

Philip O'Connor

A legal professional by education, and a stickler for rules, Philip brings rules and regulations within check for our website. He portrays the legal pitfalls, court injustices, as well as the status for high power criminal proceedings that are making waves across the globe. He also delves into human rights violations and all regulatory policies that affect the daily life of citizens of the nation.