Pharrell Williams has something to say about the recent controversy involving Iranians dancing to his song, “Happy.”
According to the Associated Press, Williams said that he doesn’t know much about Iranian law and has "the utmost respect for people's religious views." He added, "The present is a gift, and if you just want to celebrate your happiness, you should be allowed to do that."
Williams, who won a Grammy for his work with the Neptunes, is still celebrating his success from the album, G I R L, which features the song, “Happy.”
Williams was in Paris when he explained that the Iranian citizens who were arrested were “just dancing.” Six young people, three men and three women were detained after appearing outdoors dancing without a hijab. The people who were arrested were shown on state television in blurred photos.
Some protested about the citizens participating in Western culture that is not permitted by Iranian law. The issue went all the way to President Hassan Rouhani who said on Twitter that “happiness is our people’s right.”