Facing criticism, Nelly is standing firm on his choice to perform at an inaugural ball after President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

The 50-year-old rapper chatted with Willie D during a Saturday YouTube live session, shortly after news broke that he would take the stage at the Liberty Ball, one of the three inaugural balls on Inauguration Day. He clarified that his performance wasn’t a political endorsement of Trump; he simply respects the position of the presidency.

“I honor the office,” Nelly stated. “For me, politics are done. He won. He is the president. He’s in charge of what I believe to be the greatest country on earth.”

The rapper known for “Hot In Herre” expressed: “It is a privilege for me to perform for the President of the United States, no matter who occupies that position.”

“If President Biden had invited me to perform, I would have accepted. The same goes for Vice President Kamala Harris, had she requested me to perform.”

Describing himself as an independent artist, the three-time Grammy winner dismissed the backlash he has received over the decision, stating, “I’ve faced criticism my entire career. It doesn’t affect me.”

When asked during the live stream if he supported Trump, Nelly reaffirmed, “I support the President of the United States, no matter who it is. I respect the office.”

In the comments on YouTube, many fans expressed dissatisfaction with Nelly’s reasoning.

“Nelly made his choice, which he can do, but I have my rights too, and I’ve decided not to support him anymore in music or otherwise,” one commenter noted.

Another remarked, “When he says to always respect the office, Trump doesn’t even respect the office.”

Nelly is the latest artist to announce participation in inaugural events and see a wave of criticism.

Previously, Carrie Underwood shared she would perform “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration, expressing, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration, being part of such a historic moment. It’s humbling to respond to the call at a time when we need unity and to look towards the future.”

After Underwood’s announcement ignited backlash, Whoopi Goldberg came to her defense on “The View.”

“I support her decision,” she said. “If I believe I have the right to choose to perform somewhere, then others do too. I have to back her up. That said, it doesn’t mean I’ll be watching; personally, I won’t.”

The Village People also declared their participation in inaugural festivities but stated via a Facebook post that they do not support Trump’s election.

“We understand this may upset some of you, but we feel music should transcend politics,” they wrote. “Our song ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is a worldwide anthem that aims to unite people after a divisive campaign where our preferred candidate did not win.”

Additionally, Snoop Dogg faced criticism for his performance at the Inaugural Crypto Ball, an event held in D.C. before Trump’s inauguration.

Earlier, Jelly Roll echoed sentiments similar to Nelly’s after receiving backlash for sharing a lighthearted moment with Trump at a UFC event. On the “Dumb Blonde” podcast, the “Save Me” singer stated he is “not political,” yet respects the presidency.

“There was no way in the world I wouldn’t meet the president-elect,” Jelly Roll asserted. “If I had a chance to meet Joe Biden, I would have dropped everything to do so. That’s the president! I wouldn’t worry about what anyone else thought, even my own beliefs about his policies.”

Contributing: Sudiksha Kochi, YSL News