Shaboozey’s Grammy Awards acceptance speech has ignited a polarized reaction online, with commenters sharply divided over his remarks about immigration and American identity.
While accepting his award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen,” Shaboozey thanked his mother, describing her as an immigrant who worked multiple jobs in the medical field to support their family. After thanking his team, he then broadened his message, stating, āImmigrants built this country, literally,ā and thanking immigrants for bringing their āculture, music, stories, and traditionsā to the United States, adding, āYou give America color.ā
The speech quickly circulated on social media, where reactions split along cultural and diasporic lines. Supporters praised the artist for spotlighting immigrant contributions and honoring his familyās story.
View on Threads
Critics, however, argued that the language was exclusionary and oversimplified U.S. history, turning the comment section into a broader debate.
View on Threads
As the awards continued, reactions continued to roll in online:
View on Threads
Another commenter noted, “Itās very weird to be an artist like Shaboozey who has been uplifted by the likes of BeyoncĆ© (someone so loud about her Texan and Louisiana roots) and say something so insensitive to African-Americansā¦. And this is why the diaspora stay tussling š© we gotta stop the madness and read more history booksā¦”
