Jelly Roll opened up about his political views during a passionate monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, months after his comments sparked controversy at the Grammys.
The 41-year-old singer, who has been filling in for 58-year-old Kimmel on his late-night show this week, said during his Thursday, August 27 monologue that he wanted to use the platform to share “some very personal stuff.”
“For the last six months, I’ve watched people decide who I am, what I am, what I believe, what I support, and what I don’t support. And I felt that even more this week, just because I told a couple of jokes,” he continued, in an apparent reference to his recent digs at Donald Trump.
He said speculation about his political views dates to February 1, when he won three Grammys. While other artists spoke out against ICE at the Los Angeles ceremony, Jelly Roll declined to comment on politics.
“You know, I’m a dumb redneck, like, I haven’t watched enough,” he said at the time, before adding. “I didn’t have a phone for 18 months... I’m so disconnected from what’s happening.”
Roll said speculation about his political views dates to February 1, when he won three Grammys. While other artists spoke out against ICE at the Los Angeles ceremony, Jelly Roll declined to comment on politics.
“And immediately after, I was asked to make what I felt at the time was a political stance,” he added.
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, said he “fumbled” his words and wished he had spoken sooner, but feared his comments would be seen as political.
He said that trying to avoid politics ironically made his comments political. He added that, now able to vote, he plans to do so this November, drawing applause.
The Save Me singer said his political beliefs center on representing recovering addicts, reformed felons and single mothers.
He added that he had a chance to speak for people who felt unheard at the Grammys but “didn’t use” his platform the right way.
Jelly Roll’s remarks echoed comments he made the previous night while honoring Dolly Parton, who died at 80 on Aug. 25, with a tribute celebrating her as a symbol of American unity.
