Pharrell Williams stirred up a wide debate after stating at the Black Ambition Demo Day that he “hates politics”, calling it divisive, performative, and ultimately disconnected from real life.
But according to journalist and political commentator Roland Martin, that belief isn’t just misguided, it’s dangerous.
Williams’ comments sparked conversation on social media, especially in Black entrepreneurial and artistic circles, where many resonated with his frustration about division and stalled progress.
#RolandMartin teaches #PharrellWilliams about how #Politics works!
— BMB Empower Network (@BmbEmpower) November 18, 2025
Pharrell Reveals His Political Stance, Says Picking Sides Inadvertently Supports ‘Division’ but @rolandsmartin corrected and gave another master class!!!#fyp #viral pic.twitter.com/N2y1906jKS
But Martin offered a personal rebuttal grounded in lived reality and political history, using Williams’ own past to make the point.
In his response, Martin immediately pointed to the shooting death of Williams’ cousin, Donovan Lynch, in 2021, and the subsequent calls from Williams for a federal investigation into the case.
Martin reminded the producer that the accountability Williams sought only existed because of politics.
From Martin’s commentary:
“So for real, let me explain to you why politics, who you vote for, matters.”
He explained that when Lynch was killed, Williams demanded transparency, body cam accountability, and a high-level federal review, all of which required political will from the federal government.
Martin continued:
“For real, that’s politics. That’s politics. Who is in the Oval Office determines the focus of the Department of Justice.”
He went on to detail that under the Biden administration, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, led by Kristen Clarke, significantly increased investigations into police misconduct. Had the shooting happened under another administration, he said, Williams might not have received that level of scrutiny.
“Donald Trump ain’t investigating cops… Donald Trump has made it clear, I want to give cops 100% immunity.”
Martin’s point was simple: the very justice Williams wanted for his family only existed because of the political system he claims to despise.
In one of the strongest moments of his response, Martin stated:
“Pharrell, politics becomes real when it becomes personal. And it became personal for you and your family when your cousin, Donovan Lynch, was shot and killed.”
It was a reminder that while politics can feel abstract or divisive, its impact is concrete, especially for Black communities facing issues such as policing, healthcare, housing, education, and voting rights.
Martin also challenged Pharrell to consider the influence of his words:
“Don’t ever call it a magic trick and not real… What comes out of your mouth can literally impact people for good or for bad.”
Williams’ frustration isn’t uncommon. Many feel the system is broken, unresponsive, and weaponized. His comments were rooted in fatigue many Black founders and creatives share, especially as DEI efforts are rolled back nationwide.
His deeper message was about excellence, urging Black entrepreneurs to aim to be undeniable regardless of the political climate.
But Martin’s counterpoint wasn’t to diminish that ambition; it was to make clear that political disengagement won’t protect anyone.
Williams wants a world where Black success isn’t dependent on navigating broken systems. Martin wants Black communities to understand the stakes until that world exists.
Both, ultimately, are fighting for the same thing: safety, opportunity, equity, and longevity for Black people.
