The Weeknd and his co-writer Belly have pulled out of their planned appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s chat show because Donald Trump was also due to appear on the show.
The pair were due to record Jimmy Kimmel Live for the ABC network in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening (May 25). But Belly revealed they cancelled as they don’t agree with Republican Presidential candidate Trump’s political views.
Belly said in a statement: “The way I was raised was to see through all the titles in the world – from religion to race. I just didn’t want to feel like I was part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that the majority of us don’t agree with.”
GettyThe Weeknd – who co-wrote songs including ‘The Hills’ and ‘Often’ with Belly – didn’t comment on the cancellation. The Weeknd features on Belly’s new single ‘Might Not’, which they were due to have performed on Kimmel’s show.
During his appearance, Republican party nominee Trump said that he would be willing to stage a debate with his Democrat rival Bernie Sanders if it was for charity.
Sanders’ rival for the Democrat nomination, Hillary Clinton, had already said she would refuse to debate Trump’s offer. But, following Trump’s invitation, Sanders tweeted: “Game on. I look forward to debating Donald Trump in California before the June 7 primary.”
After pulling out of his scheduled appearances supporting Rihanna on her UK stadium tour, The Weeknd plays US festivals Billboard Hot 100 and Made In America before a US tour starting on November 3.