Former President Donald Trump lashed out at the Grammy Awards on Monday, criticizing comedian Trevor Noah for a joke linking him to Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious private island. In an angry Truth Social post, Trump condemned the awards show, calling it “virtually unwatchable” and taking aim at Noah for making what he termed an “incorrect” statement about his ties to Epstein’s island.
What Happened:
During Sunday night’s Grammy ceremony, Noah quipped about the Song of the Year award, joking, “That is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense … because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.” The remark drew immediate backlash from Trump, who vehemently denied any connection to the infamous Caribbean island that Epstein owned, where he was accused of trafficking young women.
In his post, Trump not only denied ever visiting Epstein Island but also threatened legal action against Noah. He called the comedian a “total loser” and claimed that he would be sending his lawyers after him for “plenty” of money. Trump also defended former President Bill Clinton, with whom he was erroneously linked in the joke, stating that he couldn’t speak for Clinton but had “never been to Epstein Island.”
Trump’s Response and Background:
This is not the first time Trump has criticized public figures or events for making jokes at his expense. His post follows a pattern of hostility towards the entertainment industry, with Trump often calling out Hollywood awards shows for targeting him. He previously criticized late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, who has frequently made jokes about the former president.
The comment also comes amid a larger conversation about Epstein’s crimes, especially after the Justice Department’s recent release of over 3 million pages of files related to Epstein, which reportedly mention both Trump and Clinton. However, both men have denied any involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities, with Trump stating last year that he turned down an invitation to visit Epstein’s island.
Public Reaction:
The fallout from Noah’s joke sparked a flurry of reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Critics of Trump, particularly those within the entertainment industry, took to social media to express support for Noah, while Trump’s supporters rallied behind the former president, claiming the joke was an attack on his character. Public figures from both the left and right chimed in, debating the limits of comedy and the responsibility of celebrities when making jokes about public figures.
In addition to the Trump backlash, the Grammy Awards drew attention for its politically charged moments. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, who won three awards, used his platform to denounce the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, dedicating his album of the year award to those affected by immigration policies. His speech was a part of broader critiques of the Trump administration’s immigration stance, with several artists using the ceremony to make political statements.
Looking Ahead:
As Trump threatens legal action, it remains to be seen whether his lawyers will follow through on the lawsuit or if the issue will fade away. The public’s reaction to the Grammy Awards’ political messages will also continue to stir debate, with many questioning whether these high-profile events should maintain a neutral stance or whether they should reflect social issues of the moment. Meanwhile, Noah’s joke and the controversy surrounding Epstein’s ties to powerful figures continue to dominate discussions in the media and public discourse.
