Philadelphia musician Meek Mill — real name Robert Rihmeek Williams — was set to visit the White House this past week for a meeting chaired by President Donald Trump about criminal justice and prison reform, but Meek himself canceled those plans.

Mill (shown at the top of this article, above right) reportedly backed out of the event after having a conversation with Trump critic and fellow musician Jay Z.

“I was originally scheduled to be part of a panel on prison reform at the White House to help shed light on the issues within the system,” the rapper told TMZ. “Unfortunately, the focus turned to the president and myself, which concerned me that it might take away from creating a positive result from today’s discussions.”

“As a result, I decided not to attend so that the focus would be solely on fixing our prison system,” he added. “Most importantly, I remain fully committed to improving our criminal justice system.”

TMZ’s report said it was a phone call with Jay Z and other high-profile African-Americans that changed Meek’s mind.

“Jay called Meek [on] Thursday night and made it clear,” a source told TMZ, “[that] meeting with Trump would be problematic for his image and for the cause.” The source also said “other high-profile African-Americans also called Meek and voiced serious concern.”

This is a running theme with anti-Trump celebrities. Anytime someone expresses an interest in talking to the president of the United States about key issues of the day — presumably with the goal of sharing opinions and reaching a greater understanding of others’ point of view — leftist celebrities throw a fit and work overtime to vilify the person.

Steve Harvey was criticized for meeting with Trump about revitalizing inner cities; Kanye West has also gotten plenty of criticism from fellow artists for merely saying he does not want to toe the anti-Trump liberal line.

Related: Kanye West Earns Support from Some Fellow Musicians

The cultural division in this country is pronounced right now; there’s a prevailing belief among many that we should not talk to or communicate with those with whom we disagree politically. That’s a dangerous position and one not healthy for this country.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

It’s a shame some leftist artists have resorted to bullying anyone who even has a desire to talk to those on the other side.

PopZette editor Zachary Leeman can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter.

(photo credit, homepage image: Donald Trump, CC BY-SA 2.0, by Michael Vadon / Jay-Z, CC BY-SA 3.0, by Joella Marano)