It’s been a tough time for Ashanti fans after one of the singer's biggest fan pages, @AshantiNews, made a bold move. The page shut down in protest of Ashanti and her husband Nelly’s support for the newly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump.
In a message shared on the Instagram page, the admin of @AshantiNews explained: “In light of recent news about Nelly and the decisions he has made … I can no longer run @AshantiNews or support The Haynes in the direction they are going.
“It’s beyond disappointing. For over 20 years it’s been amazing connecting Ashanti fans around the world and sharing news, videos and photos. I will miss a lot of you! Take care.”
Fans of Ashanti, a long-time beloved figure in music, are clearly shaken by the turn of events. But what’s got everyone talking is the reason behind the backlash: Nelly's decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration.
The fan page admin is obviously disappointed, but it also speaks to how seriously fans take their idols’ political choices. For some, supporting Trump crosses a line.
Nelly, however, isn’t backing down. He addressed the controversy during an interview with “Willie D Live” over the weekend. “I thought you were riding for me because I put on for my city, I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices," he said.
“I thought it was the things you do (that count). Not the things you say should be done. If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument.”
Nelly went on to clarify that his decision wasn’t about money or political ideology - it was about respect.
“He’s the president. He won,” he said, defending his stance. “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honour. I respect the office. It don’t matter who is in office.
“The same way our brothers and sisters go to war to put their life on the line for whoever is in office. So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office.”
While Nelly is standing firm in his reasons for performing, his fans and Ashanti's followers are clearly torn.
The question now is whether this political divide will affect the relationship between Ashanti, Nelly, and their loyal fanbase.
X users weighed in, with @xoraveen commenting: “I was looking forward to Nelly and Ashanti’s little reality show… now I have to cancel him and even her by association. Sigh.”
I was looking forward to Nelly and Ashanti’s little reality show… now I have to cancel him and even her by association. Sigh pic.twitter.com/FPTFQqzDOP
@YoungRichSkinny wrote: “Carrie Underwood, Nelly and Ashanti ...this is another reason why I wanted to avoid ... now we just gonna have to cancel everybody”
Carrie Underwood, Nelly and Ashanti.....this is another reason why I wanted to avoid......now we just gonna have to cancel everybody pic.twitter.com/r85omBI5sc
— YoungRichSkinny⏳™ (@YoungRichSkinny) January 17, 2025
While @SydJColson wrote: “Nelly messin up Ashanti’s name omg y’all gooootta stop givin men second chances.”
Nelly messin up Ashanti’s name omg y’all gooootta stop givin men second chances
— Sydney Colson (@SydJColson) January 19, 2025