Trevor Noah criticized for joke about Colombians and Shakira during Grammys monologue: 'Do Better!'
Courtesy: AFP
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, sparked controversy after the comedian’s joke about Shakira and Colombia was widely criticized by viewers.
During his opening monologue, Noah quipped that the singer was "the greatest thing out of Colombia that isn't a Class A felony," referencing the country’s struggles with crime. While some in the audience laughed, others were unimpressed, calling the joke insensitive—especially as the U.S. intensifies immigration crackdowns.
Social media users slammed Noah’s remarks, with one post stating, "Colombia is talent, culture, and resilience. No need for outdated, tone-deaf jokes." Another expressed frustration, writing, "So the Grammys already start out with an insult to Colombia when Trevor Noah mentions Shakira."
So the Grammys already start out with an insult to Colombia when Trevor Noah mentions Shakira.🤦🏻♂️🙄 #Grammys2025 pic.twitter.com/iKw2YQkOBC
Adding to the controversy, Noah also made a remark about the Grammy voting process, joking that the Recording Academy’s 13,000 members included "20 million illegal immigrants." The comment didn’t sit well with many, including Grammy winner Doechii, who was visibly seen rolling her eyes in response.
Doechii rolls her eyes at Trevor Noah’s Immigration joke #GRAMMYs
📹 .@El_Poojy pic.twitter.com/qNBt29YnCGViewers called out the timing of Noah’s jokes, pointing out that protests against U.S. immigration policies were happening just blocks away from the Grammys. One critic wrote, "We, the Colombians, are sick of being treated like criminals. @TrevorNoah, we are waiting for an apology."
Others condemned the host, stating, "That tasteless joke about illegal immigrants was so unnecessary. Do better, Trevor Noah." Another added, "'Shakira! The only thing out of Colombia that’s not a Class A felony’—really bro? That’s comedy to you?"
That tasteless joke about illegal
— LaShaye (@MelaninRose89) February 3, 2025
Immigrants was so unnecessary.
Do better Trevor Noah! #Grammys2025 pic.twitter.com/dYKu7gt1JGIn 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
As the backlash continues to grow online, many are questioning whether Noah will address the controversy in the coming days.