Trump threatens lawsuit over Epstein joke at Grammy Awards
United States President Donald Trump has threatened legal action following a joke made about him during the 2026 Grammy Awards, sparking fresh controversy over political satire and free speech.
The incident occurred on Sunday night when comedian and television host Trevor Noah, who hosted the 68th Grammy Awards, made a remark referencing the late financier Jeffrey Epstein while delivering on-stage commentary.
The joke appeared to link Trump and former President Bill Clinton to Epstein’s private island, a long-standing symbol of the disgraced financier’s criminal activities.
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The comment drew mixed reactions inside the venue, with laughter from parts of the audience and visible discomfort from others.
Shortly after the ceremony, Trump reacted angrily on his Truth Social platform, condemning the Grammys and accusing Noah of making what he described as a “false and defamatory” statement.
Trump denied ever visiting Epstein’s island and insisted he had no connection to the allegations implied in the joke.
“I have never been to Epstein’s island, not even close,” Trump wrote, adding that he had instructed his lawyers to prepare for possible legal action against the comedian.
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He also described the Grammy Awards as “unwatchable” and attacked Noah personally, questioning his credibility and professionalism.
Legal experts say any lawsuit would face significant hurdles, noting that jokes and satire about public figures are generally protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Defamation cases involving comedians and public figures typically require proof of false statements made with actual malice, a high legal standard.
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The controversy comes at a time of renewed public attention on Epstein following the release of additional court documents related to his network of associates, though no criminal wrongdoing has been established against Trump in connection with Epstein’s activities.
Trevor Noah has not publicly responded to Trump’s lawsuit threat as of the time of filing this report.
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The episode adds to a long-running pattern of clashes between Trump and entertainers, underscoring ongoing tensions between political power and pop culture in the United States.
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