Pharrell Stays Hot! Tells Celebrities Who Endorse Politicians, "Shut Up. Nobody Asked You."

XXL - Pharrell Says He Doesn’t “Do Politics” and Is Annoyed by Celebs Telling People Who to Vote For

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporterpublished on Sept. 11, Pharrell Williams sat with the publication to discuss the upcoming LEGO animation biopic Piece by Piece, which is based on his life. However, at one point during the conversation, the focus switched to the current political climate and how music is playing a role in the 2024 presidential election.

When asked if he would ever allow either the Democrat or Republican parties to use any of his music in their campaigns, the famed artist-producer said he takes heavy exception to celebrities who use their status to try to sway voters. He also claims he generally doesn’t get involved with politics.

“I don’t do politics,” Pharrell explains to The Hollywood Reporter. “In fact, I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for]. There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them. I’m one of them people [who says], ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you.’ When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and sh*t, and they are out there walking around with a placard: ‘Shut up!'”

As Pharrell’s take on how celebrities should keep their political opinions to themselves continues to spread across the internet, the N.E.R.D. frontman has seen plenty of drastically divided reactions. While many have praised his stance, others find it irresponsible and, in some cases, hypocritical.

File this one under "things you love to see".

Pharrell was in the news, and on the top 5 for a few solid hours, just last week, after he was caught on camera politely, and civilly confronting a crazed PETA protestor who attempted to interrupt his movie premiere.

He handled that situation with aplomb, which as a result broke the protestor's brain, and in my opinion, he handled this reporter's question just as well. 

I looked up the Hollywood Reporter interview and found the exact question and his response- 

We have a big election coming up — how are you feeling about it?

I am much more of a federal employee. I believe in merited civil service.

Could you elaborate on that?

Well, there are federal employees appointed by the president, right? You come in because you are loyal to a party or your leader. Then there are federal employees, this is what they do, come rain or shine, whether it’s a Democrat or a Republican in office, you show up to work every day, you serve your country. I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people trying to help people. Not sure I’ll ever vote far right. (Laughs.) I won’t do that. 

But I don’t really do politics. Some policies I lean into; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW [whose mission is equity through education], and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps Black and Brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition — those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action. But I do believe in activists, and you need everybody. 

Music is playing a big role in the election. Would you allow either party to use your music in their campaigns? 

I don’t do politics. In fact, I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for]. There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them. I’m one of them people [who says], “What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you.” When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and shit, and they are out there walking around with a placard: “Shut up!” So, no, I would rather stay out of the way, and obviously, I’m going to vote how I’m going to vote. I care about my people and I care about the country, but I feel there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and I’m really about the action.

If you felt awkward second-handedly reading that exchange, you're not alone. That reporter just couldn't wait to try to drum up something controversial but pressing Pharrell on politics. 

The guy was there to discuss his new movie - a kids movie at that, a LEGO movie biopic about him- and there the reporter (Mesfin Fekadu) was, pressing him on politics and the election. 

Because there's nothing the media, and fringe wackos on both sides in this country enjoy more than judging a person based on who they vote for. It's all about dividing the public and trying to see where Pharrell lies in terms of politics allows half the country to say they like him, and the other half to hate him. Oh, and drive plenty of clicks. 

But props to Pharrell for not taking the bait, and giving an A+ answer. 

He's not for one party or the other. He's for America. AND, more importantly, he thinks celebrities who can't hold back from telling people their ideologies need to shut up, because nobody cares. 

Back when I was a kid, I remember always being told that politics and religion weren't things you discussed outside of your home. Wouldn't it be great to go back to those days? 

p.s. - never forget Pharrell's first music project was 1992's banger "Rump Shaker", which he collaborated with Teddy Riley on when he was just 19.