Pharrell Williams isn’t a big fan of politics.
Skateboard P revealed his current stance on the political landscape at the 5th annual Black Ambition Demo Day. “I hate politics,” he said. “Like, despise them. It’s a magic trick. It’s not real. I don’t believe in either side. Because I think when you pick a side, you are inadvertently supporting division.”
“Yes, it’s not a popular point of view, but I just gotta say, when I think about it, the wells are drying up,” he added.
Williams also gave his thoughts on supporting businesses based on skin color. Addressing Black people in the audience, he asked, “Do you think for what it is that you do, do you think you’re the best? Do you want the job because you’re black or because you’re the best?”
“Do you want someone to support your startup because you’re black or because you’re the best?” Williams continued. “I think now for me, it’s about us having the best ambition, and that’s the reason why you should support these businesses,” continued Williams. “Yes, they happen to be black and brown, but it should be based on the fact that they’re the best, not because of a shade of skin color.”
Williams’ comments come after he expressed his annoyance at celebrities who encourage fans to endorse specific parties last year.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Williams said that he doesn’t “really do politics” and gets “annoyed sometimes” when celebrities tell people who they should vote for.
"There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them," said Williams. "I'm one of them people [who says], 'What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you.'"
"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,” Williams added.