Former President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against comedian Trevor Noah following a joke made during Noah’s hosting of the Grammy Awards. Trump alleges the joke, which referenced Jeffrey Epstein’s island, was “false and defamatory” in a post on Truth Social.
The Dispute
Noah’s joke connected Trump’s stated desire for the United States to acquire Greenland with the need for a new private island, referencing the alleged abuses that occurred on Epstein’s Caribbean island. According to Trump’s post, he has never visited Epstein’s island, nor has he ever been accused of doing so prior to Noah’s remarks.
Trump stated he previously rejected an invitation to visit the island and claimed to have “kicked Epstein out” of his Mar-a-Lago club. He also referenced past lawsuits against ABC News and CBS News, which resulted in multimillion-dollar settlements. Trump’s post concluded with a warning to Noah, stating, “Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!”
Noah’s agency and management have not yet responded to requests for comment. Neither Trump nor former President Bill Clinton have been charged with any crimes related to Epstein, and both have denied any wrongdoing.
Political Commentary at Awards Shows
The incident occurs within a broader context of political commentary at awards shows. During Sunday’s Grammy Awards, at least a dozen artists used their acceptance speeches to criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and several wore pins reading “ICE OUT.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What specifically did Trevor Noah say?
Noah stated, “That is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” and continued, “Which makes sense, I mean, because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out on with Bill Clinton.”
Has Trump sued anyone before over unfavorable coverage?
Yes, Trump referenced lawsuits against ABC News and CBS News, both of which ended in multimillion-dollar settlements for the president, according to his Truth Social post.
Have either Trump or Clinton been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein?
Neither Trump nor Clinton have been charged with any crimes related to Epstein, and they have both denied any wrongdoing, according to the report.
Given Trump’s history of legal challenges, it remains to be seen whether he will follow through with a lawsuit against Noah. A legal battle could be protracted and public, while a retraction or apology from Noah is also a possible outcome. It is also possible the situation will subside without further action.
