Pharrell Williams the runway during the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2025 in Paris, France.Photo by Estrop/Getty Images.
Pharrell’s recent comments struck a sour note with many of his fans. On Friday, Nov. 14, the hitmaker spoke during the 5th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day, where he discussed politics and race. Specifically, the superproducer shared his disdain.
“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.
Pharrell also shared his take on Black businesses. He asked the Black people in attendance if they wanted to be supported because of their race or because of their quality output.
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“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?”
He continued to make his point.
“Do you want someone to support your startup because you’re Black or because you’re the best?” he added. “I think now for me, it’s about us having the best ambition, and that’s the reason why you should support these businesses.
“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.”
Pharrell’s comments drew criticism on social media.
The 5th Annual Black Demo Day was presented as “an evening that celebrates five years of bold ideas, boundless creativity, and the next generation of groundbreaking founders.”
The event was hosted by Jay Pharoah, and brought together visionary entrepreneurs, leading investors, and cultural icons to honor the journey of innovation and impact that defines Black ambition.
