J Balvin was scheduled to perform during the Miss USA 2015 pageant set to take place July 12 in Louisiana. We're talking in past tense as the singer has opted not to appear during the telecast following Donald Trump's comments about Latinos during his presidential candidacy announcement. “It was going to be my first performance on national [mainstream] television,” Balvin told Billboard. “We’re talking about our roots, our culture, our values. This isn’t about being punitive, but about showing leadership through social responsibility. His comments weren’t just about Mexicans, but about all Latins in general.”
“Mexico is a Latin powerhouse,” he added. “And Mexicans, they're known as hard workers. Here in the U.S., not everybody wants to do those kinds of jobs. I’ve lived. I know what it feels like and what they go through and how families suffer. A comment like that is powerful. I think music is to have fun. It’s for people to have a good time with. I’m no savior and I’m no Robin Hood, but in this case, I feel totally comfortable and responsible with my decision.”
During Trump's announcement he made unfortunate remarks that have been deemed racist. "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending the best. They're not sending you, they're sending people that have lots of problems and they're bringing those problems," he said. "[Mexican immigrants] are bringing drugs, they're bringing crime. They're rapists and some, I assume, are good people, but I speak to border guards and they're telling us what we're getting. I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me, and I’ll build them very inexpensively, I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall.”
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