Trevor Noah is no stranger to controversy, but his latest joke at the 2025 Grammy Awards landed him in hot water. While hosting the prestigious music event, Noah made a harmful stereotype about Colombian singer Shakira, sparking outrage from online users who say his comments were “offensive and outdated.”
Trevor Noah has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time for a joke made while hosting the glitzy Los Angeles-based Grammy Awards on February 2.
But before the South African comedian – known for his sharp wit and satirical takes – fired off with his signature mix of humor and political jabs, he shared his praise to the “heroic actions of firefighters” who helped contain the deadly L.A. wildfires that displaced about 200,000 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures.
“Just a few weeks ago, we weren’t sure tonight that this show would even happen. I mean, you don’t need me to tell you this, but this city has just been through one of the largest natural disasters in American history.”
The former host of The Daily Show continued, “Tens of thousands of people have lost their homes. Entire neighborhoods have been erased. Schools, local businesses and entire communities have burned to the ground. Thankfully, due to heroic efforts of firefighters, the fires have now been contained.”
Comedic burns
Then the 40-year-old comedian – his fifth consecutive time hosting the awards ceremony – shifted his focus and started with his comedic burns, sparing no one.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, there’s been a few changes in Washington,” Noah began biting, referencing Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
“I’m going to enjoy tonight, because this may be the last time I get to host anything in this country,” he joked.
Later, the award-winning host targeted the president’s new tariffs levied against Mexico and Canada, joking that “Maple syrup is about to be $50!”
‘Class A felony’
Despite his playful roasting of Trump, it was his comment about Colombia that set social media ablaze.
Moments after Noah said, “[W]e are honoring the best in music as voted on by the 13,000 members of The Recording Academy – and 20 million illegal immigrants,” he then introduced the three-time Grammy winner Shakira.
“Three-time Grammy winner Shakira is in the house!” Noah quipped, adding that she’s “the greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a class A felony.”
The joke didn’t sit well with audiences – especially fans of the Latin music star.
The comic’s remark about Colombia’s association with crime and drug trafficking drew immediate criticism and while some found it humorous, the joke immediately ignited backlash, with many accusing him of playing into harmful stereotypes.
‘Offensive and outdated’
“We, the Colombians, are sick of being treated like criminals…we are waiting for an apology,” tweets one disgruntled user in a post that racked up 352,600 views in only a few hours.
Replying to the now viral post on X, another user writes, “To everyone saying that it’s a joke, for you it’s funny. For us, it’s an STIGMA. You’re not the ones that get stopped at airports because of your nationality, you’re not the ones who have to face questions about drugs when you say you’re Colombian.”
A third netizen shares, “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.” A fourth raged, “I love that anti-Colombian racism is somehow exempt from all this ‘unity’ talk coming from LA right now.”
Another slammed the host, writing, “Trevor that is not funny [it] is disgusting.”
Meanwhile, not everyone was outraged. Some argued that the joke was just a joke.
“It’s a joke people, cry harder,” tweets one user, while a second writes, “Soft. Learn how to take a joke.”
A third tried to clarify his comments: “His joke was referencing cocaine. Still an offensive joke, but I see a lot of people thinking he was talking about Colombians themselves which is not true. He should still apologize though because Colombia is more than just a drug trade.”
Trevor Noah’s joke at the Grammys is another example of how comedy is constantly evolving in the court of public opinion. What one person finds funny, another may find offensive. This situation serves as a reminder that humor, especially on a global stage, carries weight – whether intended or not.
Is the backlash justified, or was this just another case of overreaction? Let us know what you think!
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