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“As we have celebrated our love in public, most of the response has been very positive,” Legend said. “”But as we’ve maybe spoken about a certain person who’s running the country right now, there’s a significant amount of people that disagree with us and will make it clear that they do, and say we should shut up.”
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When asked what should people do if they prefer him to stick to music, Legend simply stated, “Just don’t follow me on Twitter. You can enjoy my music without even reading my Twitter.”
Legend acknowledged his words on Twitter may cost him listeners and fans, but said he’s comfortable with that choice.
“If they found out how many of their favorite artists were probably more liberal than them, then their music collection will start to suffer,” Legend said. “But that’s fine, I make my own choice to speak. I know there’s some cost that might be associated with it, but I do it anyway.”
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Legend also said he believes that a large majority of musicians, entertainers and creative minds tend to be liberal, but that doesn’t deter him from associating with those who are either conservative, non-political or don’t speak about politics for fear of fan rejection.
Legend campaigned for former President Barack Obama during his presidential run, including a free concert in Springfield to rally supporters in 2008.
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He also campaigned for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential race.
Legend also discussed Springfield during his NPR interview and how the region’s manufacturing jobs supported his family growing up but were becoming less common now.
He came back to his hometown last year to dedicate the John Legend Theater at The Dome, which he helped raise money to renovate.
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