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Pharrell Williams Decries Politics as a “Magic Trick,” Drawing Backlash After Miami Honor

The remarks renewed debate over celebrity neutrality in politics.

Overview

  • At Black Ambition Demo Day in Miami, Pharrell said he hates politics, called it a “magic trick,” and stated he does not believe in either side.
  • He received a ceremonial key to Miami‑Dade County at the event and urged that support for startups be based on being “the best,” not skin color.
  • Clips of the comments circulated widely on X and Instagram, where many users criticized his neutrality as out of touch with policies affecting communities.
  • Journalist Roland Martin blasted the stance in a detailed segment, citing permits for events, Grammy voting, and a $3 million Virginia Beach settlement linked to Pharrell’s family as examples of politics’ tangible effects.
  • Williams expressed similar views in 2024 about avoiding political endorsements, and no retraction or clarification has been reported since the latest clip went viral.