Hayley Williams kicked off her latest solo tour in Florida with a blistering message for President Donald Trump, prompting an immediate backlash from some MAGA supporters who accused the Paramore frontwoman of turning a concert into a political rally. As a result, Williams went viral on social media, inviting both fans and a heated debate about politics.
Williams launched “The Hayley Williams Show” on Thursday, September 3, at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she performed songs spanning her three solo albums. The singer delivered several live debuts during the 17-song set, including “Just a Lover” from her 2021 album FLOWERS for VASES / descansos.
Much of the performance focused on her latest record, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, with “Mirtazapine,” “Brotherly Hate” and “Parachute” featured during the encore. But it was Williams’ closing message that quickly became the most talked-about moment of the night. Before the final song, Williams told the audience: “Be safe, take care of yourself, look out for each other and f[expletive] Donald Trump!”
The remark came as Williams used the Florida show to voice opposition to the Trump administration, including criticism directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to reports. The blunt declaration immediately drew criticism online, with some Trump supporters questioning why the singer brought politics into her performance.
Williams’ message to Trump drew both praise and outrage
It’s not the first time Williams has criticized Trump and the Trump administration in her concert. Last year, she also went viral for outright claiming President Trump is an alleged predator, something that also drew out backlash from Trump supporters. This time, dropping the f-bomb on Trump has led to some immediate insults in a viral Threads post, with one commenter even shooing Williams away from the US, writing, “Go sing in Iran.”
Another commenter didn’t mince words, saying, “I bet she believes in killing babies too.” Another one fired back against Williams’ cursing Trump, “How about fk you leave my country.” Apparently, Williams isn’t exactly popular with some people, leading to assumptions that her words against Trump is basically “career suicide,” with some commenters arguing, “No one has heard of this person irrelevant… Trump lives in your heads rent free.”
“Idk why bands insist on being political at shows,” one Threads user complained. “I’m not paying $300 to hear what your point of view is. I’m there to hear music.” Not everyone was hostile, however. A supporter praised Williams, writing: “I love her. She’s wonderful and so joyous when on stage. She’s always been awesome like that.” Williams’ solo tour will continue before she heads to the UK and Europe next summer.
