Fans Defend Ludacris Amid Backlash Over Alleged ‘MAGA Festival’

Rapper Ludacris faced intense backlash from fans earlier this week after his name was spotted in the lineup for this year’s “Rock the Country” festival. Fellow rapper Nelly and country singers, including Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert, were also named as performers.

Some of Ludacris’ biggest fans jumped on the “Money Maker” artist almost instantly, slamming the 48-year-old for reportedly agreeing to take part in what some have branded a conservative event. Days later, Luda’s name disappeared from the lineup, and his manager released a statement, calling the situation a “mix-up.”

Following the updated statement, some social media users have rushed to defend Ludacris from the criticism, saying that while they might not agree with some of the artists included in the event, they don’t see how his inclusion in the festival meant he was endorsing conservatives or Republican ideologies.

The “Rock the Country” festival is an eight-stop tour running from May to September. According to the festival’s website, the concert is “more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the spirit that’s carried America through 250 years.”

Rolling Stone reported earlier this week that Ludacris’ name was part of the lineup, along with fellow rapper Nelly. However, after receiving backlash, Luda’s name was removed from the lineup, and his rep confirmed the change in a recent statement, calling his inclusion a “mix-up.”

“Lines got crossed and he wasn’t supposed to be on there,” the rep shared.

On social media, users flooded Ludacris’ Instagram comment section with critical posts about his reported involvement in the “Rock the Country” festival.

“You’re performing in that lame a** maga ‘rock the people’ festival???” a user wrote, per The Shade Room. “Really???? Kid freaking rock is headlining. So embarrassing, dude. Atlanta is disappointed in you for this. Thought you were better than that. You’ve lost touch with humanity.”

Another user wrote, “Wow. That fall to the bottom was loud. We all heard it.”

“Sh-t really made me sad,” a third user posted. “Would never pick you for a sell out — d-mn Luda.”

The feedback wasn’t all bad, though, as some other fans rushed to defend the “Move B-tch” performer after learning he was no longer part of the lineup.

“Forcing politics on someone is kinda crazy,” a user wrote, while another said, “Remember what Lizzo said. There will be more to come after Nicki Minaj!”

“No LUDACRIS slander will ever be tolerated,” another user wrote. “Literally one of the best humans on our planet!”

A third shared, “I’m no MAGA supporter at all. But where does it say this is a MAGA event? Asking genuinely.”

This isn’t the first time a Black artist has faced backlash for seemingly aligning with conservative celebrities or ideologies, according to The Blast.

Nelly, who is still scheduled to perform in the “Rock the Country” festival, faced a firestorm of criticism in early 2025 after it was revealed he’d perform at one of President Donald Trump’s inaugural balls.

Users stated how “beyond disgusted” they were by Nelly’s decision, while others said his actions were like “saying f–k you to the black community.”

Nelly fired back, though, saying that his participation in the event had nothing to do with politics. “You didn’t see me out there saying you should vote for this candidate,” he said. “But I’m honored to be out there performing for the Office, for the President of the United States.”

“I’m not here to take up for Trump, I’m not here to take up for Republicans. I’m not here to take up for Democrats,” the “Dilemma” artist added. “This isn’t about agreeing with Trump’s political views. He’s the president. He won. That’s why I’m not telling you who to vote for. He’s the president of the United States, not the candidate for the United States.”

According to The Blast, rapper Soulja Boy also faced public backlash for performing at one of Trump’s inaugural balls. In a video, he clapped back at fans, telling them part of the reason he accepted the gig was the paycheck, and called out former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

“They paid me a bag. Obama ain’t never put no money in my f—ing pockets, n—a. Kamala ain’t never put no money in my f—ing pockets, n—a. Trump put money in my pockets, n—-a.”

Clearly, the backlash didn’t faze the “Turn My Swag On” rapper, who asserted that he’d perform for the president if he called again.