Ricky Gervais recalled his 2020 Golden Globes monologue Monday morning, in which he had urged celebrities not to make political points during acceptance speeches.
The comedian shared a quote from six years ago, saying: “They’re still not listening,” in an apparent reference to the multiple artists who shared anti-ICE sentiments at Sunday’s Grammys.
“If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech, all right? You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world, most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg,” Gervais said in 2020.
Why It Matters
Political messaging is not uncommon during awards speeches, focused on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. Sunday night’s focused on the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and the unrest around the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with several stars wearing “ICE Out” pins.
What To Know
Gervais made his original comment in January 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests later that year. He urged award winners to simply get up, thank their agent and their god and leave the stage, as the ceremony was already three hours long.
On Sunday night, however, the Grammys was peppered with political statements, with Album of the Year winner Bad Bunny leading the “ICE out” message, and Billie Eilish telling viewers that no one was illegal on stolen land.
Trevor Noah Joke at the Grammys
Other political messages came from host Trevor Noah, the former anchor of The Daily Show on Comedy Central. He made a handful of comments about the Trump administration in his segments between awards, with one in particular drawing criticism and a potential lawsuit.
“There you have it, song of the year! Congratulations, Billie Eilish. Wow. That’s a Grammy that every artist wants, almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” Noah said. “Which makes sense because, since Epstein’s gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton. I told you, it’s my last year! What are you going to do about it?”
Trump later took to Truth Social, threatening to sue the comedian for his comments.
There is no evidence that suggests Trump ever visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, but his name has appeared in Department of Justice files on the late sex offender.
Noah made several other comments about Trump throughout the event. At one point, he mocked speculation about Trump seeking a third term, saying: “This is my sixth and last year hosting the Grammys. I’ve loved my time, but I believe in term limits. I wanted to set an example for anyone who might be watching the show. Leave when your time is up.”
What People Are Saying
Bad Bunny, during his first acceptance speech: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say: ICE out. We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans.”
Billie Eilish, speaking Sunday night: “No one is illegal on stolen land. It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I just, I feel really hopeful in this room.”
Olivia Dean, winner of Best New Artist, during her acceptance speech: “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here—I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated…We’re nothing without each other.”
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: “Noah said, INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island. WRONG!!! I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight’s false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media. Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast. It looks like I’ll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty$.”
What Happens Next
As unrest continues over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, further political statements are likely at awards ceremonies this year.