South African comedian Trevor Noah faced fierce criticism for his controversial jokes at the 67th Grammy Awards, held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year marked Noah's fifth consecutive hosting gig for the prestigious music ceremony, but his remarks about Colombian singer Shakira and immigration proved to be anything but harmony.
While addressing the star-studded audience, Noah quipped, "Shakira is the greatest thing out of Colombia that's not a Class A felony," referencing both Shakira's staggering musical accomplishments and Colombia's struggles with violent crime. Such humor, particularly following U.S. President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration policies, was received poorly by many.
With millions of immigrants facing the threat of deportation, Noah's comments were labeled tone-deaf, igniting outrage across various social media platforms as users questioned the appropriateness of his jokes. One user wrote, "Shakira! The only thing out of Colombia that's not a Class A felony—really bro? That's comedy to you? @TrevorNoah, dobetter." Similar sentiments poured through online reactions, emphasizing how offensive and irrelevant Noah's jokes were during such sensitive times.
According to users, this was not just about Noah's delivery but also hinted at deep-seated stereotypes perpetuating views on immigration and crime. Another commenter expressed, "Colombia is talent, culture, and resilience. No need for outdated, tone-deaf jokes," highlighting the broader perception of Colombia outside mere crime narratives.
Adding to the controversy was another joke by Noah. He remarked on the Grammy voting process, humorously stating, "We’re going to be honoring the best music as voted on by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy...and 20 million illegal immigrants." Such light-heartedness, directed at the serious topic of illegal immigration, invited similar backlash and left many amused, confused, or offended. While some audience members chuckled, others rolled their eyes, finding the humor misplaced.
Shakira, on the other hand, countered Noah's quip with love and solidarity. During her acceptance speech for Best Latin Pop Album, she dedicated her award to her fellow immigrants, stating, "I will always fight for you. For all my immigrant brothers and sisters, you’re loved, you’re worth it." Her message formed a stark juxtaposition to Noah's seemingly light-hearted jibes, showcasing her commitment to her roots and community.
Shakira's album, titled Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, marked her first release in seven years and quickly rose to acclaim, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart. Noah’s comments, contrasting considerably with Shakira’s celebration of cultural pride, drew attention to how humor can sometimes misconstrue realities and sensitivities.
The backlash to Noah's remarks serves as a reminder of the balance comedians must strive for when approaching sensitive subjects—especially those intertwined with identity, immigration policies, and national perceptions. The uproar on social media indicates a need for sensitivity amid the politically charged climate, particularly when jokes touch on communities facing stigma and challenges.
Criticism also stemmed from the timing of Noah's remarks, just as major protests against Trump's stringent immigration policies occurred mere blocks away from the Grammy event. Social media users emphasized this point, noting how disconnecting humor from real-world issues can signify broader societal insensitivities.
Despite the mixed reactions, Noah's ability to court controversy through comedy isn't new; he has previously navigated contentious topics with his unique blend of sarcasm and wit. Yet, this episode at the Grammys may serve as another chapter underscoring the often tricky dynamics of hosting events steeped deeply in cultural and social significance.
Following calls for accountability, it remains to be seen how Noah will address the concerns raised by the public. Some users expressed tangible disappointment over what they perceived as Noah’s inability to recognize the weight of his words, exemplifying how the world of comedy intersects complexly with real-life challenges.
The Grammy Awards this year, intended to celebrate musical achievements, reflected vulnerabilities and tensions within society, capturing both the celebratory and controversial within a single stage. The juxtaposition of Shakira's heartfelt message with Noah's lighthearted comedy pushes conversations about the role of artists and entertainers amid significant political climates, and how their choices resonate or clash with cultural narratives.