News : Shaboozey addresses criticism of his Grammy Awards statement

Shaboozey has addressed the criticism that followed his comment about immigration at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

After picking up the award for Best Country Duo Group Performance for Amen, his joint track with Jelly Roll, the artist spoke about his mother’s move from Nigeria to the United States and said that “immigrants built this country”.

He went on to thank immigrants for “bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here”.

The comment quickly sparked backlash online, with some critics arguing that his words failed to fully acknowledge the role of Black people and enslaved Africans in shaping American history.

Among those who entered the conversation was Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., who shared a post on X reminding followers that “our ancestors weren't folks who came here seeking a better life”. The King Center executive did not reference Shaboozey directly.

Responding via his Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the A Bar Song Tipsy singer released a statement stressing that he “never intended to dismiss the truth”.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

Shaboozey also reflected on the significance of becoming the first Black man to win the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo on the opening day of Black History Month.

“It stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me,” the 30 year old added. “This moment belongs to all of us. 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 ceremony, several artists voiced support for immigrants, including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean, as debate continues around U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent crackdown on illegal immigration.