Pharrell Williams Calls Politics “A Magic Trick” While Accepting Miami’s Key At Black Ambition Event
Pharrell Williams dismissed American politics as a “magic trick that isn’t real” whereas accepting the important thing to Miami-Dade County through the Black Ambition Demo Day.
The 13-time Grammy winner made the blunt assertion Friday night time (November 14) at Sacred Space Miami, the place he was honored by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava through the fifth annual Black Ambition Demo Day.
The occasion, hosted by his nonprofit, helps Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship.
“I hate politics,” Williams stated throughout a hearth chat with Mellody Hobson, moderated by Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher. “It’s a magic trick that is not real. I don’t believe in either side, because I think when you pick a side, you’re inadvertently supporting division.”
The remarks weren’t out of character for the Virginia Beach native, who has more and more distanced himself from conventional political discourse.
In September 2024, he informed The Hollywood Reporter he will get “annoyed” when celebrities endorse candidates, including, “nobody asked you.”
At Friday’s gathering, Williams tied his political skepticism to his broader mission of empowering marginalized communities by financial alternative.
“Now that diversity is off the table, now that equity is off the table, now inclusion is off the table…that makes me ask myself, so how do we survive?” Williams stated. “If diversity, equity, and inclusion never come back in style, cool. But in the meantime, I’m going to focus on being the best because I can bank on that.”
The ceremony additionally celebrated Williams’ rising footprint in Miami, the place he’s invested in nightlife ventures like Swan and Strawberry Moon, and expanded his philanthropic attain by Black Ambition, which launched in 2020.
“There’s so much brilliance out there that never gets seen,” he stated of the nonprofit’s mission. “That’s why we built Black Ambition, to make sure talent doesn’t stop at potential.”
This yr marked the primary time the Demo Day was held in Miami. The occasion awarded $1 million to 25 winners chosen from a pool of 25,000 candidates.
The night time ended with a shock efficiency by Chance the Rapper.
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