Pharrell Williams Shuts Down Celebrity Political Involvement
Pharrell Williams, a professional artist and Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director, has come out pointedly against celebrities’ involvement in politics. The 51-year-old spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about how things have been going politically and with celebrity endorsements.
Pharrell called himself more of a humanitarian who wanted to ensure that civil service was based on merit and that he could serve the people. While he said that he would not vote far right, he explained that he doesn’t align with any political party, per se. In his words: “I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people trying to help people. Not sure I’ll ever vote far right. I won’t do that.”
According to him, he is more of a “federal employee” who worries about finding practical solutions, not about partisan politics.
The aggravation extends to celebrities who use their platforms to influence voters. While he said some have respectable opinions, not all of them need to share them publicly.
In his words: “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.”
The singer even went so far as to say there are times he wants to tell the outspoken “to shut up,” especially when they become sanctimonious or stage public demonstrations.
“I’m one of them people [who says], ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you,’” he stated, adding, “When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and s—, 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.”
Even while he has strong opinions about celebrity involvement in politics, the Happy hitmaker knows full well the need to vote and to care about one’s community and one’s country. But he’d rather be about action than mere press releases.
“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,” he stated.
Comments from Pharrell come in stark contrast to the latest actions of other celebrities, including Taylor Swift. The pop star recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential election of 2025, along with Tim Walz, urging her followers to research policies through candidates and make informed decisions.
Taylor’s endorsement, via Instagram, referred to Kamala as a “steady-handed, gifted leader” and supported the causes she represents. The singer also commended running mate Harris for Tim Walz’s long history of support for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and women’s bodily autonomy.
“If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country,” Taylor wrote in her post.
“I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades,” the Blank Space singer continued.
