Pharrell Williams says the music community must stand by Kanye West, despite their fundamental disagreements over Donald Trump’s Presidency.
West has called Trump his “brother” and has voiced his support for far-right US political pundit Candace Owens. But Williams insists that West deserves the backing of fellow musicians and that West’s wellbeing is all-important despite his views.
Williams said he fundamentally disagrees with West’s support for Trump, but added: “We have to love our brother, regardless. We might not agree with him, but we can’t stand by and watch anything happen to him, because he’s our brother.”
Pointing to the effect that West’s views had with mainstream voters in the US, Williams said: “We’ve got to pay attention to the symbolism of what’s happening. Never have we ever, in history, have we ever witnessed a staple in the community be utilised in that way, with that kind of real impression. So I look at the symbolism of that and say ‘Man, that’s our brother.’ We don’t want to abandon him because we fundamentally disagree. We care about his wellbeing.”
Williams’ comments come the day after West’s wife Kim Kardashian West – who also disagrees with her husband’s support of the Republican President – stated that West admired Trump’s personality but didn’t really know about his policies.
“I feel Kanye is misunderstood, and he’s the worst communicator,” she said. When we talk about it, we have very similar policies. He’s not very political, he just happens to like Donald Trump’s personality, but doesn’t know about his politics. So I’ve educated him recently.”
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Williams emphasised that his disagreements with his fellow musician were less important than their shared humanity. He told Complex: “I’m not siding with him at all. What I’m looking at is his DNA. He’s our brother, he’s human. That’s what it really boils down to.”
It felt so good being on the stage last night with my brother Cudi. After performing again, I realize the new album I’ve been working on isn’t ready yet. I’ll announce the release date once it’s done. Thank you for understanding.
— ye (@kanyewest) November 13, 2018
West recently delayed the release of new album ‘Yandhi’, admitting the album isn’t ready. The album was originally due in September, before then being given a November 23 release date. However, on Tuesday, West wrote on Twitter: “I realise the new album I’ve been working isn’t ready yet. I’ll announce the release date once it’s done.”