Introduction

The world of EDM is no stranger to drama, but when it intersects with politics, the sparks fly even higher. Recently, famed producer Deadmau5 made headlines for publicly criticizing fellow DJ 3lau after his performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration. This explosive interaction has not only stirred the EDM community but also ignited conversations across social media.

Let’s break down what happened, the reactions it provoked, and the larger implications for music and politics.

The Incident: 3lau’s Performance at Trump’s Inauguration

On January 20, 2025, DJ 3lau (real name Justin David Blau), known for hits like Tokyo and Better With You, took the stage at one of Donald Trump’s inauguration events. In a now-controversial Instagram post, 3lau shared photos from the event and described the experience as an honor.

3lau proudly shared photos from the day (**Instagram/3lau**)

He captioned his post:

“5 days ago the @potus team reached out cause they needed a DJ for inauguration afters. Playing Starlight Ball was not on my 2025 bingo card, but I mean wow, what an honor. I was so nervous, and only got to play for 30 min but holy ****. Achievement unlocked.”

3lau also mentioned that he believed 2025 would be his “biggest year yet” and expressed gratitude to Trump’s team for the opportunity.

However, what he might have seen as a career milestone quickly turned into a PR nightmare. Social media users were not impressed.

Backlash from Fans and the EDM Community

The response to 3lau’s post was swift and unforgiving. Instagram and Twitter erupted with criticism, with fans accusing him of “selling out” and aligning himself with a divisive political figure.

Here’s a glimpse at the reactions:

One Instagram user advised:”You can hit the three dots on his Spotify profile and select ‘don’t play this artist’ so you never stream his music again.”
Another commented:”That must’ve been one fat paycheck to sell out for. Yikes.”
A third added:”The fact that you played for free for billionaires and now you’re pretty much exiled from the EDM community. Congrats! I hope you enjoy your retirement.”

The outrage wasn’t just limited to fans. It reached fellow artists, and Deadmau5 had a lot to say.

Social Media Posts and Public Reactions

As the controversy gained traction, multiple social media platforms became a battleground for opinions. Below are some of the most notable social media posts and the reactions that followed.

3lau’s Original Post on Instagram

3lau’s Instagram post about playing at the inauguration sparked a wave of responses. Here’s the text from the original post:
3lau’s Instagram Post

*”5 days ago the @potus team reached out cause they needed a DJ for inauguration afters. Playing Starlight Ball was not on my 2025 bingo card, but I mean wow, what an honor. I was so nervous, and only got to play for 30 min but holy ***. Achievement unlocked.”

The post quickly garnered both praise and criticism from fans and fellow artists alike.

Deadmau5’s Scathing Comment on Instagram

Deadmau5’s brutal response to 3lau’s post was hard to miss. His comment, which over 870 people reacted to, was a direct critique of 3lau’s decision. Here’s the full text of his response:

Deadmau5 had something to say about the show (**Instagram/3lau**)

“Here’s the best takeaway, not a single person in that entire dumbf** administration has ever known who the f*** you were, cared about you, or even gives the remotest s*** about you, and you certainly won’t be remembered by any of them.”*
“Everyone in this business will remember that you stood behind nazis and convicted felons who would further marginalize the very people who gave you a platform. What very little respect I had for you is gone. So glad you got some drink tickets out of the deal, enjoy them, you nepo p**baby.”*

Deadmau5’s fiery comment further fuelled the drama. It was clear he wasn’t holding back, and fans rallied behind his pointed words. To see the full exchange, check out the post on Deadmau5’s Instagram.

Deadmau5’s Scathing Response

Deadmau5, whose real name is Joel Thomas Zimmerman, is renowned for his no-holds-barred personality. Known for hits like Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff and Strobe, he’s never shied away from speaking his mind, whether on Twitter or in interviews.

In response to 3lau’s Instagram post, Deadmau5 delivered a brutal comment that left no room for ambiguity:

“Here’s the best takeaway, not a single person in that entire dumbf*** administration has ever known who the f*** you were, cared about you, or even gives the remotest s*** about you, and you certainly won’t be remembered by any of them.”

But he didn’t stop there:

“Everyone in this business will remember that you stood behind nazis and convicted felons who would further marginalize the very people who gave you a platform. What very little respect I had for you is gone. So glad you got some drink tickets out of the deal, enjoy them, you nepo p***baby.”

The scathing response received over 870 replies, with many praising Deadmau5 for speaking out.

Music and Politics: A Complex Intersection

This controversy highlights the increasingly complex relationship between music and politics. For many, music is a space for unity and expression, free from the divisive nature of politics. However, when artists align themselves with political figures, they open themselves up to both praise and criticism.

Artists like Deadmau5 argue that actions such as 3lau’s performance go beyond personal choice—they reflect broader social implications. By performing at Trump’s inauguration, 3lau positioned himself in a contentious political context, which many in the EDM community found unacceptable.

For further insights into the challenges musicians face in navigating political waters, check out this Rolling Stone article on music and activism.

The Role of Social Media in Accountability

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter played a crucial role in amplifying this controversy. Fans and fellow artists alike used these platforms to express their disapproval, making it clear that actions have consequences in the public eye.

For instance, the backlash against 3lau showcases how quickly public opinion can shift. One minute, an artist might feel they’ve achieved a milestone; the next, they could be facing widespread criticism.

For an in-depth look at how social media shapes the music industry, this Billboard feature on artists and digital platforms is a must-read.

Deadmau5’s Legacy as EDM’s Outspoken Voice

Deadmau5 has long been a polarizing figure in the music world. His willingness to call out others—be it for their music, behaviour, or political affiliations—has earned him both admiration and criticism.

In this case, his harsh critique of 3lau resonated with many in the EDM community who felt betrayed by 3lau’s actions.

If you’re curious about Deadmau5’s career and why he remains a significant figure in EDM, this profile by EDM.com offers a comprehensive overview.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in EDM

The fallout from 3lau’s performance at Trump’s inauguration and Deadmau5’s subsequent criticism underscores the power of music as both an art form and a platform for social commentary.

As fans and artists continue to debate the implications of this event, one thing is clear: the intersection of music and politics will remain a hot topic.

What are your thoughts on this controversy? Should artists keep their political affiliations separate from their music careers, or does their influence come with a responsibility to take a stand? Share your views in the comments or on social media using #EDMDrama.

Featured Image Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images / Instagram/3lau