Trevor Noah Faces Backlash Over Controversial Joke at 2025 Grammy Awards
Trevor Noah is no stranger to controversy, but his latest remark at the 2025 Grammy Awards has landed him in hot water. While hosting the star-studded event, Noah made a joke that many perceived as reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Colombia and its people, leading to a wave of backlash online.
The controversy erupted on February 2, when the South African comedian, known for his satirical humor and sharp wit, took the stage for his fifth consecutive time as host. Before diving into his comedic routines, Noah took a moment to praise the heroic efforts of the firefighters who helped contain the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles, which had displaced thousands and destroyed countless homes and businesses.
“We weren’t sure tonight’s show would even happen,” Noah remarked, referencing the devastation caused by the fires. “This city has just been through one of the largest natural disasters in American history… Thankfully, due to the heroic efforts of firefighters, the fires have now been contained.”
Afterward, Noah shifted to his signature brand of humor, poking fun at a range of topics, including politics. He joked about changes in Washington, teasing the potential end of his hosting career due to political shifts. “I’m going to enjoy tonight because this may be the last time I get to host anything in this country,” he quipped.
Noah also targeted new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, humorously predicting that “maple syrup is about to be $50!” But it was a comment made moments later that caused an uproar.
While introducing Colombian singer Shakira, the three-time Grammy winner, Noah said, “Three-time Grammy winner Shakira is in the house! She’s the greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a class A felony.”
The joke, which seemed to draw a link between Colombia and crime, did not sit well with many, especially Shakira’s fans. The comment quickly drew widespread criticism, with many accusing Noah of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Colombia’s association with drugs and criminal activity. Although some saw the humor, the backlash was immediate, with online users expressing their dismay over the remark.
“We, the Colombians, are sick of being treated like criminals…we are waiting for an apology,” one user tweeted, garnering over 350,000 views in just a few hours. Another responded on X, “For us, it’s not just a joke. It’s a stigma. You’re not the ones who get stopped at airports because of your nationality.”
A third user expressed their frustration, writing, “As a proud Colombian, Trevor Noah’s comment is offensive and outdated. Reducing our country to crime while praising Shakira is lazy and disrespectful. Colombia is so much more than tired stereotypes.” Many others expressed similar outrage, with some calling the comment “disgusting” and accusing Noah of perpetuating anti-Colombian racism.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some defended Noah, stating that it was merely a joke. “It’s a joke people, cry harder,” one user responded, while another commented, “Learn how to take a joke.” A third user attempted to clarify the context, saying, “His joke was referencing cocaine. Still offensive, but not about Colombians themselves. He should apologize, though, because Colombia is more than just the drug trade.”
Trevor Noah’s Grammy joke serves as a reminder that comedy is a constantly evolving art form, and what some find humorous, others may find deeply offensive. In today’s world, where humor has the potential to reach millions globally, it’s clear that even the most well-intentioned jokes can land differently, especially when they touch on sensitive cultural issues. This incident highlights the importance of understanding the impact of our words, particularly on a platform as massive as the Grammy Awards. Whether Noah intended to be humorous or not, the response underscores the evolving landscape of comedy and the need for greater sensitivity in addressing cultural stereotypes.
