Jelly Roll, the chart-topping musician known for his emotionally charged lyrics and soulful melodies, recently found himself at the center of controversy after meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. The meeting, which was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, sparked a wave of backlash from some of Jelly Roll’s fans, many of whom were upset by his interaction with the controversial political figure. However, in a recent episode of his wife Bunny XO’s popular Dumblonde podcast, Jelly Roll opened up about the experience, responding to the criticism and revealing the details of his conversation with Trump.

The video of Jelly Roll and Trump meeting at UFC 309, which showed the two smiling and exchanging a handshake, garnered immediate attention. While many fans were curious about what had transpired between the two, it was clear that the encounter had sparked a polarized reaction from Jelly Roll’s audience. Some fans expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling that the musician, who has always been an advocate for the working class and has built a reputation for his authenticity, was endorsing a figure whose policies they strongly opposed.

In the podcast episode, Jelly Roll addressed the backlash head-on, explaining his decision to meet Trump and defending his actions. He revealed that he was genuinely excited to meet the president-elect, regardless of political affiliation. Jelly Roll made it clear that he didn’t care about the criticism he received, stating, “I don’t care about what people think about my meeting with Trump. The truth is, it was really cool to meet the president.” He went on to emphasize that, regardless of one’s political beliefs, meeting the leader of the country is an honor.

Jelly Roll’s stance on politics has often been one of neutrality, and he was quick to clarify that he is not someone who typically engages in political discussions. “I don’t hide behind the ‘I’m not political’ stuff,” he said. “People who know me know that I’m an old school dude, and I like to talk about things I’m passionate about. I don’t know enough about politics to act like I know anything that’s going on or what anyone’s standing for policy-wise.” His response reflected his commitment to staying true to himself and not allowing political divides to dictate his interactions or public persona.

The singer also addressed the significance of the moment at UFC 309, noting how powerful it felt to be in the same space as the president-elect. “I don’t care who you are,” he shared. “If you were in that building, the hair on your skin stood up, and you looked around at the president-elect walking in with his entire cabinet, his kids, his grandchildren. It was powerful, dude.” Jelly Roll’s acknowledgment of the weight of the moment reflected his appreciation for the political milestone, regardless of his personal opinions on Trump’s policies or the political climate.

While Jelly Roll was unsure if Trump knew who he was when they first made eye contact, the interaction quickly became memorable. He recalled that Trump gave him a signature “Trump point” and that they shared a handshake. Jelly Roll went on to describe how he felt a sense of camaraderie with Trump and how he expressed his admiration for the president-elect’s work. “When I met Trump, I told him I loved his hit ‘Save Me,’ and I told him that he was doing incredible things,” Jelly Roll said. “It was just a cool moment.”

Throughout the podcast episode, it was evident that Jelly Roll was unwavering in his decision to meet with Trump. He stood firm in his belief that meeting the president-elect was a momentous occasion, regardless of any political ramifications. In doing so, he reiterated that he didn’t want his fans or followers to assume he was endorsing any specific political agenda. Instead, he simply viewed it as an opportunity to engage with a powerful figure in a significant moment of history. For Jelly Roll, the focus was on the experience of meeting a person of such influence, not necessarily on the political affiliations that came with it.

Bunny XO, his wife, was supportive of his viewpoint during the podcast. She also acknowledged that anyone who gets the opportunity to meet a president or a vice president should consider it an honor. “Anybody who gets the opportunity to meet a president, a vice president, anything like that, it’s an honor,” she said, standing by her husband’s decision. Her words reinforced the sentiment that political differences shouldn’t overshadow the respect for meeting a leader, regardless of one’s personal politics.

In a world where celebrity opinions and political affiliations often make headlines, Jelly Roll’s handling of the situation was a reminder of the complexities of fame. Celebrities, like anyone else, are allowed to have their opinions and make decisions about whom they engage with. For Jelly Roll, meeting Donald Trump was a unique opportunity that he didn’t want to miss. At the same time, he made it clear that he was not endorsing any particular political stance or trying to make a statement about his own beliefs. His explanation allowed fans to understand his perspective and, for many, helped them realize that their disappointment might have been based on assumptions rather than facts.

The incident also highlighted the power of social media in shaping public opinion. The video of Jelly Roll meeting Trump quickly went viral, sparking both support and criticism. Fans, seeing the interaction unfold on their screens, were quick to voice their opinions, either praising or condemning Jelly Roll for his choice to engage with the president-elect. In the age of social media, where moments like these are often blown out of proportion or dissected by millions of people, it’s important for celebrities like Jelly Roll to take a stand and explain their actions.

Ultimately, Jelly Roll’s decision to meet with Donald Trump, while controversial to some, was a personal one. His refusal to apologize for the encounter or back down from his stance further solidified his commitment to authenticity. He reminded his fans that, despite being a public figure, he remains true to himself and that his actions should be understood in the context of the moment rather than scrutinized based on politics. Whether or not his fans agree with his actions, Jelly Roll’s message was clear: he values the experience of meeting powerful figures and remains unapologetic in his interactions, regardless of the political divide that may exist.

This entire episode serves as a reminder that celebrities, just like the rest of us, are multifaceted individuals with their own personal beliefs and experiences. While they may be under a microscope, they are still entitled to their opinions and choices. For Jelly Roll, meeting Donald Trump was simply a cool opportunity to meet someone who had just been elected to the highest office in the land — nothing more, nothing less.