Bon Iver responds to Megyn Kelly criticising his anti-ICE statement at Grammys
Bon Iver‘s Justin Vernon has responded after conservative broadcaster Megyn Kelly criticised him for wearing an orange whistle at the Grammys in protest against ICE.
At the ceremony, which saw Bon Iver nominated for ‘Best Alternative Music Performance’ and ‘Best Alternative Music Album’, Vernon wore an ICE pin, as well as an orange whistle to show his solidarity with protestors in Minneapolis.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, Vernon explained, “The whistle is there to represent all the observers in Minneapolis, they are out there on the street corners at 30 below, and they are warning their neighbours of danger.”
He added of his gratitude to those people, “They are out on the street, and they are taking care of each other, and nothing could inspire me more.”
In response to Vernon, Kelly poked fun at the musician on her SiriusXM show The Megyn Kelly Show. She said during a conversation with Jesse Kelly, “We got this guy Bon with his little whistle on his lapel.”
Then, Jesse, in a bizarre rant, said that artists like Vernon “spend their entire lives surrounded by security” during their everyday lives, before describing immigrants as “animals from all over the planet” and claiming that “normal Americans” are fearful that they are going to get raped or murdered.
In a now-deleted Substack, Vernon wrote (via Stereogum), “First of all… thank you for calling me Ridiculous musician. Dope compliment.”
He also said of Megyn Kelly, “I disagree with Megyn Kelly’s politics pretty deeply, but she has done some inspiring things in the course of her career.”
Vernon added of claims that musicians, like him, are surrounded by security when they eat out at Red Lobster, “Have been to one Red Lobster, in Eau Claire, 27 years ago. Didn’t have security then, and have never hired personal security guards, because I dont need them. But thanks for thinking I’m that famous!”
On a more serious note, he continued his rebuff of the claims made in the video, “The man seems to think there are only criminals bred outside of the United States. Honestly, thought provoking.”
He also reflected of making political gestures, like the orange whistle, at events like the Grammys where he’s largely surrounded by people who share the same world view, “I do wonder sometimes the point of saying liberal things in a room full of registered Democrats, the whole echo chamber thing… but I guess these two are proving that people who hate POC are hiding in blue areas everywhere.”
Lastly, Vernon said that his Substack is a place for him “not to attack anyone, or say mean things back to these people, cause I dont think it helps” but said “responding feels good”.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.