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While several celebrities and public figures have shared who they will be voting for in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election, don’t expect an endorsement from a certain superstar music producer anytime soon.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pharrell Williams said he is choosing not to vocalize any political stances this time around. Williams, 51, also expressed that he feels frustration toward celebrities who utilize politics as part of their brand.
Pharrell Williams attends the premiere of “Piece by Piece” at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. In an interview with ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ published this month, the superstar producer expressed disdain over celebrities who make politics part of their personal brands.
Jemal Countess/Getty Images
“I don’t do politics,” said Williams. “In fact, I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for].”
He continued, saying, “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 s**t, and they are out there walking around with a placard: ‘Shut up!'”
Though Williams didn’t call out anyone by name, the interview was published on Wednesday, September 11 — a day after Taylor Swift publicly endorsed presidential candidate Kamala Harris (though, the interview was likely conducted before this.)
As is par for the course, Swifties have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their chagrin toward Williams.
“Pharrell can stick his head in the sand all he wants, but he can’t stop others from expressing their opinions,” said one Swift fan. “Taylor Swift didn’t tell anyone who to vote for. She told people to do their research and choose who best represented them. Part of being a good citizen is voting!”
Pharrell can stick his head in the sand all he wants, but he can’t stop others from expressing their opinions. Taylor Swift didn’t tell anyone who to vote for. She told people to do their research and choose who best represented them. Part of being a good citizen is voting!
— hma (@holly357285) September 18, 2024
“Taylor Swift is bigger than Pharrell could ever dream of being, but ok,” said another.
Taylor Swift is bigger than Pharrell could ever dream of being, but ok.
— janet yellen stan (@janwitaplan) September 18, 2024
One person noted that several fans of Swift had actually asked her to endorse a candidate, after being photographed with alleged Trump supporter Brittany Mahomes caused some confusion.
“Actually, a LOT of people asked Taylor Swift,” they said. “Nobody asked Pharrell who — just by the way — publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton and was active in general GOTV efforts.”
Actually, a LOT of people asked Taylor Swift. Nobody asked Pharrell who — just by the way — publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton and was active in general GOTV efforts.
— Matthew Rettenmund (@mattrett) September 18, 2024
It is worth noting that Williams did in fact endorse Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, as well as Barack Obama in the 2012 election.
In the interview, Williams did share that he does intend to vote in this election, but won’t disclose who he’s voting for. He did, however, offer a hint as to whom he will not be voting for.
“Not sure I’ll ever vote far right,” he said. “I won’t do that.”