Comedian Jessica Williams publicly defended Beyoncé against former President Donald Trump’s ongoing attacks during the July 28 episode of The Daily Show. Williams suggested that Trump’s focus on the superstar aims to distract from the growing controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files and his administration’s actions. The exchanges took place amid a heated political climate where Trump accused Beyoncé and others of illegal conduct related to campaign endorsements.
Accusations Sparked by Debunked Claims About Campaign Payments
Williams intervened during host Jon Stewart’s monologue to address Trump’s latest call, made via Truth Social, for the prosecution of Beyoncé over unfounded allegations. Trump baselessly alleged that Beyoncé was paid $11 million illegally to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, claims that both Beyoncé’s representatives and Harris’ campaign have denied. Official public finance records confirm Beyoncé received no endorsement payment, only a reimbursement through her company, Parkwood Entertainment, for production costs required by campaign law.
Williams Highlights Trump’s Tactics to Divert Attention
Williams accused Trump of using attacks on prominent Black figures to shift public focus from more pressing issues linked to Epstein’s crimes. She stated,
“Trump is trying to throw every Black person he can think of in front of the scandal to distract us,”
—Jessica Williams, Comedian, noting the backdrop was made to resemble Scotland where Trump has been spending time. She drew a pattern linking Trump’s release of Martin Luther King Jr. FBI files, his accusations against Barack Obama, and now legal threats toward Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey.
Continuing this observation, Williams said,
“First, he released the Martin Luther King Jr. files. Then he accused Obama of treason. And now he wants to prosecute Oprah and Beyoncé? The nerve.”
—Jessica Williams, Comedian
She emphasized that Trump is targeting key Black cultural icons strategically:
“He’s coming after all of our greatest Black people,”
she said. She humorously questioned,
“Who’s next? Michael Jordan? Michael B. Jordan? Michael C. Jordan? We’re about a week away from him saying that Urkel did 9/11. Urkel? Did he do that?”
—Jessica Williams, Comedian
Linking Celebrity Attacks to Epstein File Controversy
Both Williams and Stewart expressed their belief that Trump’s real motive is to divert attention from the pressure to disclose files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities. These files are anticipated to reveal details about Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation, particularly allegations that Trump may have visited Epstein’s private island, a notorious site for illegal activities involving minors. During the Scotland press event, Trump denied ever having the privilege of visiting Epstein’s island.
Trump’s Persistent False Claims and Their Political Context
Williams’ defense came shortly after Trump’s Truth Social post repeating false accusations of illegal payments tied to the election campaign. In that post, Trump wrote,
“I’m looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election, and the fact that they admit to paying, probably illegally, Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!) … all of those that received Endorsement money, BROKE THE LAW. They should all be prosecuted!”
—Donald Trump, Former President
Trump’s history of pushing these disproven allegations dates back several months. In March, he also accused Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen of participating in an “illegal election scam,” labeling their actions as a
“CORRUPT & UNLAWFUL way to capitalize on a broken system,”
further fueling the political firestorm. Both artists and their teams have consistently denied these charges.
Beyoncé’s Camp and Campaign Finance Facts
Public records and statements from Beyoncé’s representatives have clarified that she did not receive election endorsement money. The payment to her Parkwood Entertainment company was for the production of her appearance at a rally and was covered by Kamala Harris’s campaign in compliance with legal requirements. These facts counter Trump’s repeated claims, underscoring a pattern of misinformation aimed at discrediting her and others involved.
Williams’ Vocal Support Shines Amid Rising Political Tensions
Jessica Williams’ remarks contribute to ongoing debates about misinformation, political distraction tactics, and the importance of focusing on significant issues such as Epstein’s criminal network. By calling out Trump’s attacks on Beyoncé and other influential Black figures, she highlights a broader concern about how public discourse is being manipulated during a critical time of legal inquiries and political unrest.
