Prolific music producer and recording artist Pharrell Williams is expressing annoyance with celebrities endorsing political candidates. His comments follow pop star Taylor Swift‘s Instagram post backing Kamala Harris’ presidential bid.
“There are celebrities that I respect who have opinions, but not all of them. I’m one of those people who says, ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” Williams told The Hollywood Reporter in response to a question regarding whether he allows presidential candidates to utilize his music on the campaign trail. He continued: “When people get self-righteous, roll up their sleeves, and start marching around with placards: ‘Shut up!'”
The 13-time Grammy Award winner added: “I prefer to stay out of the way, though I will vote according to my views. I care deeply about my people and the country, but I see a lot of work that needs to occur, and I’m all about action.”
Numerous music recording artists are demanding that former President Donald J. Trump‘s campaign cease using their songs during events. While some artists may have legal recourse in instances where the use of a song is not properly authorized through the license holder, the demand a politician cease playing their music is often merely performative.
Musician Jack White, formerly of The White Stripes, is currently pursuing legal action against former President Trump’s campaign after a video montage featuring their song ‘Seven Nation Army’ was posted online by Margo Martin, Trump’s deputy director of communications. White filed a copyright infringement lawsuit, accusing the campaign of “flagrant misappropriation” of the song. The lawsuit was registered last week in the Southern District of New York.