Comedian Trevor Noah’s attempt at humour at the 2025 Grammy Awards has caused a stir, with many calling his joke about immigrants insensitive. The South African-born comedian, who returned to host his fifth Grammy ceremony, made a controversial quip during his opening monologue that left some celebrities rolling their eyes and many viewers criticising his choice of words.
According to the Daily Mail, Noah, who moved to the U.S. in 2011, kicked off the evening with a joke about the political climate, specifically targeting former President Donald Trump’s stance on immigration. “I don’t know if you know this, but there’s been a few changes in Washington,” Noah began, referring to the political shift under Trump. “I’m going to enjoy tonight because this may be my last time I get to host anything in this country.”
He then continued, “We’re going to be honouring the best in music as voted on by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy and 20 million illegal immigrants. And tonight, no matter what happens, history will be made.”
The comment, aimed at Trump’s mass deportation policy and his stance on immigration, didn’t land well with everyone in the audience. The joke was a sharp dig at Trump’s immigration stance, which includes mass deportations and a focus on illegal immigration, a topic that continues to spark controversy in the U.S.
However, many found the joke uncomfortable and inappropriate. Grammy winner Doechii, who was seated nearby, was caught on camera visibly rolling her eyes, a reaction that quickly went viral. One user tweeted, “That joke was just gross and insensitive…she wasn’t having ANY OF IT.”
The backlash continued online, with many criticising Noah for using the term “illegal immigrants,” especially given his status as an immigrant himself. One user pointed out, “Trevor Noah, an immigrant from South Africa, making a bad joke about undocumented immigrants and calling people ‘illegal’ in front of millions of people is not only poor taste but dangerous in this climate.”
Others also found Noah’s comments to be tone-deaf in light of the serious and ongoing debate over immigration in the U.S. A popular singer even took to Instagram to express her displeasure, saying, “No human being is illegal! Lame jokes, weak host, great performances though. Congrats to the artists.”
Noah’s joke about Beyoncé’s upcoming Cowboy Carter tour, which referenced the trade war and tariffs, also drew mixed reactions. He said, “We can’t afford a new tour. Maple syrup is about to be $50.”
Some fans demanded an apology from Noah, with one user tweeting, ”We, the Colombians, are sick of being treated like criminals #Grammys2025 @Trevornoah we are waiting for an apology.”
Doechii rolls her eyes at Trevor Noah’s Immigration joke #GRAMMYs
📹 .@El_Poojy pic.twitter.com/qNBt29YnCG
— Everything Doechii 🐊 (@EDoechii) February 3, 2025We, the Colombians, are sick of being treated like criminals #Grammys2025 @Trevornoah we are waiting for an apology pic.twitter.com/9J9Y9HOxVy
— Jonatan Clay (@MundoClay) February 3, 2025In a time of deep racism and division in the world, and while Colombia is being targeted by the U.S. administration, this is such a poor attempt at a joke, @TrevorNoah. pic.twitter.com/gFmJUBLsLR
— Carolina (@Caromunozb) February 3, 2025
