Shabouzi Adjusts Remarks After Backlash on Immigration Comments at Grammys
Country artist Shabouzi has retracted his earlier statements regarding immigration following criticism from civil rights advocates, including Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.
While accepting the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen,” in collaboration with Jelly Roll, Shabouzi made a bold declaration: “Immigrants built this country,” adding that his win was for both immigrants and their children.
He elaborated, saying, “This is also for those who sought a better life in a country that promises freedom and equal opportunity to anyone willing to work for it.” Shabouzi expressed gratitude for the cultures, music, and stories immigrants bring, stating they add vibrancy to America.
His comments seemed to resonate with a broader anti-ICE sentiment shared by several celebrities during the awards ceremony, following a stance taken by rapper Bad Bunny, who previously declined to show support for “God Bless America” at a Yankees game.
However, in response to Shabouzi’s remarks, Bernice King pointed out that discussions about who “built this country” often overlook the contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants. “With it being #BlackHistoryMonth,” she questioned whether, when people say “immigrants built this country,” they are including those who contributed significantly through forced labor during the 1800s and 1900s.
Bernice King emphasized that the legacy of chattel slavery was about building an empire, and noted that ancestors of enslaved people did not come seeking better lives; instead, they arrived in chains and suffered severe abuse. She stressed that the trauma inflicted on these communities must not be minimized or forgotten.
After the backlash, Shabouzi posted on his Instagram Story, acknowledging the dialogue surrounding his acceptance speech. He stated, “Let me be clear: I know and believe that we, black people, built this country, too.” He clarified that he never intended to dismiss that fact.
Shabouzi, who identifies as both Black and the child of Nigerian immigrants, noted that his remarks were meant to honor his parents’ sacrifices that allowed him and his siblings to have greater opportunities. He highlighted that winning the Grammy was a significant moment in the context of Black history, asserting, “It’s black history to win this award on the first day of Black History Month and to be the first Black person to win Best Country Duo.” He concluded by stating that this achievement belongs to everyone.
Country Artist Shaboozey Retracts Grammy Comments on ‘Immigrants Built This Country’ Following Backlash from MLK’s Daughter
Shabouzi Adjusts Remarks After Backlash on Immigration Comments at Grammys
Country artist Shabouzi has retracted his earlier statements regarding immigration following criticism from civil rights advocates, including Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.
While accepting the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen,” in collaboration with Jelly Roll, Shabouzi made a bold declaration: “Immigrants built this country,” adding that his win was for both immigrants and their children.
He elaborated, saying, “This is also for those who sought a better life in a country that promises freedom and equal opportunity to anyone willing to work for it.” Shabouzi expressed gratitude for the cultures, music, and stories immigrants bring, stating they add vibrancy to America.
His comments seemed to resonate with a broader anti-ICE sentiment shared by several celebrities during the awards ceremony, following a stance taken by rapper Bad Bunny, who previously declined to show support for “God Bless America” at a Yankees game.
However, in response to Shabouzi’s remarks, Bernice King pointed out that discussions about who “built this country” often overlook the contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants. “With it being #BlackHistoryMonth,” she questioned whether, when people say “immigrants built this country,” they are including those who contributed significantly through forced labor during the 1800s and 1900s.
Bernice King emphasized that the legacy of chattel slavery was about building an empire, and noted that ancestors of enslaved people did not come seeking better lives; instead, they arrived in chains and suffered severe abuse. She stressed that the trauma inflicted on these communities must not be minimized or forgotten.
After the backlash, Shabouzi posted on his Instagram Story, acknowledging the dialogue surrounding his acceptance speech. He stated, “Let me be clear: I know and believe that we, black people, built this country, too.” He clarified that he never intended to dismiss that fact.
Shabouzi, who identifies as both Black and the child of Nigerian immigrants, noted that his remarks were meant to honor his parents’ sacrifices that allowed him and his siblings to have greater opportunities. He highlighted that winning the Grammy was a significant moment in the context of Black history, asserting, “It’s black history to win this award on the first day of Black History Month and to be the first Black person to win Best Country Duo.” He concluded by stating that this achievement belongs to everyone.
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