People aren’t feeling Pharrell’s views on politics and DEI

Pharrell Williams has come under fire on social media after explaining why he ‘hates’ politics, claiming it only promotes ‘divisiveness’ among people.

The multi-faceted artist, businessman and visionary spoke before a live audience at the fifth annual Black Ambition Demo Day on November 14, when he opened up about his disdain for politics and distrust of both sides of the political landscape.

“Looking at what’s going on in the current political climate, I hate politics,” he said a clip shared on

“Yes, it’s not a popular position, but I have to say that when I think about it, the sources are drying up,” he added.

Referencing the rollback of DEI initiatives under the Trump administration, which prompted major companies like Target, Amazon and Walmart to scale back their programs, Pharrell urged the audience to focus on being “the best” rather than seeking opportunities based on the color of their skin.

“For what you do, do you think you’re the best? Do you want the job because you’re black or because you’re the best?” he asked.

“Do you want someone to support your startup because you’re black or because you’re the best?” Williams continued.

“I think for me right now it’s about having the best ambition, and that’s why you should support these companies. Yes, they happen to be black and brown, but it should be based on the fact that they are the best, not because of a skin color.”

Although intended as motivation in the current political climate, many on social media criticized the Louis Vuitton creative director’s political stance.

“What if they’re the best, but they don’t want to give them the job because they’re black?” asked an X user.

Another user pointed out that, unlike Pharrell, most people cannot ignore politics because of its direct impact on their daily lives.

“EVERYTHING in life is political and it won’t stop because YOU don’t acknowledge politics,” the X user wrote. “If you don’t do politics, politics does YOU.”

While promoting his 2024 Lego biopic, Pharrell explained why he avoids politics and how frustrated he gets when celebrities openly support candidates.

“There are celebrities I respect who have an opinion, but not all of them,” he said at the time. ‘I’m one of those people [who says]’What difference does it make? Quiet. Nobody asked you.’”

“When people come out and they get complacent, and they roll up their sleeves and s—, and they walk around with a sign saying, ‘Shut up!’ So no, I’d rather stay out of the way, and of course 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 like there’s still a lot of work to be done, and I’m really in favor of the action.”

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