Iconic Moments From the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards: Pharrell Williams, Coco Gauff and 40 Years of Greatness

Pharrell Tells Critics To ‘Sound Bite This’ in Rant After Backlash Over His Politics

When it comes to politics, Pharrell Williams is historically neutral. Ultimately, his reasoning is simple and incredibly idealistic. When speaking at the 5th annual Black Ambition Demo Day, he lamented how politics naturally causes an irreparable divide between people. “I hate politics– like, despise them. It’s a magic trick. It’s not real. I don’t believe in either side. Because I think when you pick a side, you are inadvertently supporting div…

'Man, Pharrell Shut Up': Pharrell Williams Dares Critics to ‘Soundbite This’ as He Addresses Outrage Over His Political Comments

“Happy” singer and super producer Pharrell Williams gave a fiery speech in response to critics calling him a “sellout” amid backlash over his political comments. Williams — who is also the Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton — said he refuses to pick a side, comparing them to some kind of “magic trick.” In his view, the moment someone does, they end up reinforcing division — and that’s when diversity, equity, and inclusion start disappeari…

Iconic Moments from the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards: Pharrell Williams, Coco Gauff and 40 Years of Greatness

A recap of the biggest moments from the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards.

The Room Where It Happens: The Most Powerful and Heartwarming Moments From FNAAs 2025

The event brought together some of the biggest names in fashion, sport, music and entertainment to celebrate the footwear industry's best and brightest.

Pharrell Williams Breaks Down the Real Meaning Behind His 'I Hate Politics' Comments at FN Awards

The producer used his Shoe of the Year moment to address the backlash head-on and explain why his message about DEI leveling the field still stands.

Pharrell Fires Back At Backlash For His "I Hate Politics" Comments, Social Media Goes Harder

Source: Dominik Bindl / Getty Pharrell Williams has some new soundbites for you. The multihyphenate became embroiled in controversy last week, while he was celebrating the recipients of his Black Ambition grants at the 5th Annual Demo Day and Fundable Founders Forum in Miami. Williams started the company in 2000 to provide grants to Black start-ups that typically get less than 1% of venture capitalist funding. But at the 2025 celebration, Willia…