The 66th Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, saw the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry become the subjects of ridicule and jest.
Noah, taking on the role of host for the second time, kicked off the show with a comedic monologue that not only targeted the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the music industry but also took aim at the royal couple who recently departed from the British monarchy to settle in the United States.
During his opening act, Noah did not hold back as he unleashed a wave of taunts and sarcasm towards Meghan and Harry.
The couple, known for their decision to step back from their royal duties and embark on new ventures such as their Spotify podcast, Archetypes, were at the center of Noah’s jokes.
He humorously described listening to their podcast as enduring a four-hour-long therapy session.
While acknowledging the challenges the couple has faced, including racial discrimination, media scrutiny, and family conflicts, Noah also expressed exasperation at their seemingly endless list of accomplishments.
He quipped, “I mean, come on, Meghan and Harry, you have it all,” listing their numerous projects and deals, including a Netflix deal, a Spotify deal, and even humorously mentioning a “line of cocaine.”
Noah didn’t shy away from poking fun at the couple’s assertions of seeking privacy and freedom, highlighting the paradoxes in their desires versus their actions.
He playfully teased them about wanting privacy while being constantly in the public eye, desiring freedom while signing contracts, and claiming normalcy while engaging in interviews and seeking financial support.
In a moment of candid humor, Noah advised the couple to “chill” and implied that their struggles were not unique, urging them to move past their grievances.
His comedic take on Meghan and Harry’s situation elicited laughter and applause from the live audience but also sparked a range of reactions from viewers and the media, with some lauding Noah’s wit and candor while others criticized him for being disrespectful and unkind.
The controversy surrounding Noah’s remarks is expected to generate heightened interest and viewership for the Grammy Awards, which featured stellar performances and appearances by music icons like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles.
Noah’s comedic approach, though divisive, succeeded in stirring conversations and sparking debates about the royal couple’s public image and their interactions with the media.