Shaboozey responds to backlash for saying immigrants “built this country” at Grammys
Shaboozey has responded to the backlash for stating that immigrants “built this country” during his victory speech at the Grammys.
The ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ made the comments after being awarded the Grammy for ‘Best Country Duo/Group Performance’ for his Jelly Roll collaboration, ‘Amen’.
In his speech, in addition to Shaboozey saying that immigrants “built this country”, he also dedicated his award to the “children of immigrants”, and ‘those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it”.
However, on social media, Shaboozey has faced pushback from the Black community, who have highlighted that he overlooked the forced contributions made by slaves.
While she didn’t directly name him, Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, wrote on X that “our ancestors weren’t folks who came here seeking a better life” and “their trauma shouldn’t be diminished or forgotten, even in efforts toward freedom from ICE’s inhumane, violent tactics”.
In response, Shaboozey took to social media to write, “To be clear, I know and believe that we — Black people, have also built this country. My words were never intended to dismiss that truth. I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants and in the overwhelming moment of winning my first Grammy my focus was on honoring the sacrifices my parents made by coming to this country to give me and my siblings opportunities they never had.”
His post continued, “At the same time, winning this award on the first day of Black History Month and becoming the first Black man to win Best Country Duo is Black history. It stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me. This moment belongs to all of us.”
Shaboozey finished his statement by writing, “My entire career has been rooted in lifting people up, honoring where we come from, and expanding what’s possible. I am proud to be part of this legacy, and I intend to continue doing that work for the rest of my life.”
Elsewhere at the Grammys, Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny also condemned ICE during their speeches, while Olivia Dean spoke about her pride in being the granddaughter of an immigrant.
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