Janelle Monáe Calls Out "Bully" Trump During Powerful Equality Award Speech

Janelle Monáe has always been a force to be reckoned with, a fact she once again demonstrated with a recent speech. Accepting the Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Saturday night, the multi-hyphenate singer and actress poked fun at former President Donald Trump without even using his name. Speaking to an audience gathered for the LGBTQ+ advocacy group's annual gala, Monáe set the record straight.

"Bullies win when we allow them to believe they can." The truth is that bullying doesn't end when we become adults. It doesn't stop when we leave school. It just gets bigger. It rebrands itself. So the bully gets elected president," she said, instantly drawing thundering applause from the crowd.

Directed or not, Monáe's words were inescapably about Trump. During his presidency, his targeted policies toward marginalized communities, including immigrants and transgender individuals, drew widespread criticism. In her speech, Monáe reiterated her unwavering support for these groups and emphasized that she is not backing down from the fight.

"Let's make it clear. We will fight the giant," she added, prompting another round of cheers from the crowd.

This isn't the first time Monáe has used her platform to condemn Trump and the people supporting him. In January, she called out rapper Nelly for performing at one of Trump's inauguration events.

Monáe drew attention to the St. Louis rapper during a freestyle rap that went viral from a Grammy Awards after-party in February, declaring: "F### you, Nelly. I liked Nelly until the time he performed for Donald Trump. I care about women; I care about Hispanics. I care about Mexicans, I care much about gay, absolute shit. F### you, Nelly, you sold out. I used to think you were cool. "But now you look like a m############ fool."

Van Zant's no-holds-barred critique of Nelly exemplifies her willingness to take a stand against artists who she believes compromise their morals in pursuit of political or corporate dollars. For Monáe, activism is not just part of her public persona; it's a belief system she will not compromise.

Janelle Monáe has long been known for her fierce advocacy for equality in and out of her music. Whether through her boundary-defying songs, sci-fi aesthetics, or brassy political messages, she always uses her clout to impress upon progress.

In her speech to the Human Rights Campaign gala, Monáe proved to everyone that she wasn't an artist; she was a cultural force who would not stay quiet in the face of injustice. Though many approach activism from a place of neutrality, Monáe chooses sides: She's present to topple power, speak the truth, and fight for those in most need of it.

One thing that remains consistent as the political landscape shifts is that Janelle Monáe will always be ready to rise, elevate her voice, and confront the so-called "giants."