Comedian Ricky Gervais has once again taken aim at celebrities for using awards ceremonies as political platforms, specifically targeting the 2026 Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on 2 February. The event saw multiple high-profile winners making pointed statements against former US president Donald Trump's immigration policies during their acceptance speeches.
Gervais Repeats His Warning to Celebrities
Taking to social media platform X, Gervais expressed his frustration with the ongoing trend of political commentary at awards shows. He shared a segment from his memorable 2020 Golden Globes monologue where he explicitly advised celebrities against using their acceptance speeches for political grandstanding.
The shared excerpt read: "If you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a political platform to make a political speech. 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 reinforced this message with the caption "They're still not listening," indicating his belief that celebrities continue to ignore his previous advice. This follows similar criticism he levelled after last year's Grammy ceremony, maintaining his consistent position on the matter.
Artists Make Political Statements at Ceremony
The 2026 Grammys became a focal point for political expression, with numerous artists using the platform to comment on immigration issues. Bad Bunny, who received a standing ovation for his Best Música Urbana Album win, began his acceptance speech by declaring "Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say ICE out."
The Puerto Rican artist continued: "We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. If we fight, we have to do it with love."
Billie Eilish echoed similar sentiments while accepting her Song of the Year award, stating "no one is illegal on stolen land" before concluding with "F*** ICE." Her brother and collaborator Finneas stood alongside her during the statement.
Visible Protest Throughout the Event
Political expression extended beyond acceptance speeches, with several artists wearing visible protest symbols throughout the ceremony. Numerous attendees sported "ICE Out" pins, including:
- Carole King
- Joni Mitchell
- Kehlani
- Samara Joy
- Justin Bieber
Kehlani, speaking on the red carpet before the ceremony, told The Hollywood Reporter: "I wanted to say f*** ICE. But I think they needed some couth on the carpet or something. I'm a little couthless ruthless. I think everybody – we're too powerful of a group to all be in a room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country."
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, nominated for best alternative music album, revealed he wore a whistle to honour those documenting the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Conservative Backlash and Divided Reactions
The political statements prompted immediate backlash from conservative commentators and MAGA-aligned social media figures. Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren criticised the celebrities on X, writing: "Overpaid musicians and celebrities at the #GRAMMYs say 'F*** ICE.' Meanwhile, the hardworking men and women of ICE and border patrol (majority Hispanic) are out on the streets removing public safety threats and protecting communities. The audacity is astounding."
Other conservative voices described the display as "pathetic" and "out of touch," highlighting the ongoing cultural divide regarding immigration policy in the United States.
Context of Gervais's Previous Comments
Gervais's criticism references his widely-praised 2020 Golden Globes hosting performance, where he delivered a blunt monologue telling celebrities: "So if you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your God and f*** off, OK? It's already three hours long."
The comedian has maintained this position consistently, arguing that celebrities lack the expertise and real-world experience to offer meaningful political commentary. His latest intervention comes amid ongoing demonstrations in the United States following the shooting deaths of two citizens by federal agents in Minnesota.
The 2026 Grammy Awards have thus become another chapter in the ongoing debate about the appropriate role of political expression in entertainment ceremonies, with Gervais positioning himself as a vocal critic of what he perceives as celebrity overreach into political discourse.
