Ricky Gervais has once again made headlines following this year’s Grammy Awards, where politically charged acceptance speeches from various winners caught his attention. After the 2026 ceremony, Gervais took to X to share a clip from his infamous 2020 Golden Globes monologue, warning nominees not to use their moment in the spotlight for political commentary. He cheekily included a crying emoji in his post and remarked, “They’re still not listening.”
In his 2020 speech, Gervais famously told award winners, “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a political platform to make a political speech,” emphasizing that celebrities lack a grasp on real-world issues. He humorously suggested that many in the audience had less education than young activist Greta Thunberg.
Gervais had previously expressed similar sentiments after the 2025 Emmys when Hannah Einbender, celebrated for her role in “Hacks,” used her acceptance speech to make a political statement, saying, “fuck ICE” and “free Palestine.”
The 2026 Grammys were marked by a wave of political messages from the winners. Billie Eilish, who received the award for Song of the Year for her track “Wildflower,” made headlines for her strong remarks during her acceptance speech, which included the phrase “fuck ICE” and an impassioned call to action, stating, “No one is illegal on stolen land.” She urged attendees to continue fighting and making their voices heard, expressing a sense of hope amid the current climate.
Bad Bunny, who won both Album of the Year and Best Música Urbana Album, echoed these sentiments, declaring “ICE out!” and promoting love over hate. He remarked on the humanity of immigrants, saying, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” He stressed the importance of combating hate with love, urging a different approach to activism.
Other artists also made significant remarks about immigration, showcasing a strong support for inclusivity. Olivia Dean, awarded Best New Artist, highlighted her immigrant roots, crediting her success to the bravery of those who came before her and affirming the interconnectedness of society. Shaboozey, a first-time Grammy winner, dedicated his award to immigrants, emphasizing their contributions to the nation’s fabric.
While Gervais may have intended his comments as a lighthearted critique, the messages shared at the Grammys reflect a broader trend where artists are increasingly using their platforms to address social issues, suggesting a growing willingness among celebrities to engage in important conversations.