Snoop Dogg has ignited a heated debate online after sharing a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on social media, coinciding with his involvement in Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Monday, January 20, marked a dual occasion: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States. While the day should have celebrated civil rights and leadership, it instead sparked criticism aimed at the hip-hop legend.
The Death Row Records icon took to Instagram to honor MLK, sharing a carousel of powerful clips from the civil rights leader’s speeches and writings. Accompanying the tribute was a caption adorned with praying hands and U.S. flag emojis.
However, the post didn’t resonate as intended, as backlash stemming from Snoop Dogg’s performance at Trump’s inauguration event continued to grow.
Critics flooded the comments, questioning the integrity of Snoop’s tribute given his apparent association with the controversial President.
One comment read: “Posting MLK after supporting Trump is wild,” pointing to the perceived contradiction in Snoop’s actions.
Another user invoked comedian Dave Chappelle’s famous decision to walk away from a lucrative deal, saying, “Dave Chappelle turned down $50 million to preserve his integrity, even if it meant standing against a powerful figure. That’s how you honor the ancestors. You don’t embarrass their struggle.”
Adding to the controversy was the behavior of Trump adviser Elon Musk during the inauguration. Musk was caught on camera making a gesture likened to a Nazi salute during the celebrations, which only intensified criticism of Snoop Dogg’s alignment with the Trump camp.
“Dude, Elon just threw a Nazi salute at the inauguration,” one commenter pointed out. “That’s the team you’re on now.”
For many fans and critics alike, the MLK tribute felt incongruous with Snoop Dogg’s recent actions, leaving a sour note on a day meant to honor one of America’s most revered figures.
As the conversation continues to unfold, it raises broader questions about celebrity endorsements, political alignment, and the responsibility of public figures to reflect the values they claim to celebrate.
