The 2022 Grammys Has More Controversy Than the Oscars
TL;DR:
- Marilyn Manson received a nomination despite abuse allegations
- Kanye West did not appear after the Recording Academy dropped him from the performance lineup amid harassing behavior
- Dave Chapelle received a nomination despite transphobic comments
- Louis C.K. took home a major prize after admitting to sexual misconduct
The Oscars had one major controversy. In the week since the awards ceremony, the world has debated Will Smith’s onstage antics. The rest of the show, however, went off without much issue. The Grammy Awards might not have had a major, unexpected moment, but it had plenty of controversy surrounding it. Four different nominees are marred in some form of controversy, some worse than others.
Marilyn Manson is a nominee who has been accused of several different types of misconduct
Marilyn Manson is one of several Grammy nominees marred in controversy. Nominated for Album of the Year, along with a slew of others, for his work on Donda, Manson is no stranger to controversy or the Grammys. The Recording Academy has nominated Manson five times since 1999.
In February 2021, Evan Rachel Wood took to Instagram to name Manson as her abuser. Wood was in a relationship with Manson for several years. She was just 18 when they started dating; he was 36. Wood said Manson brainwashed and manipulated her into submission.
Wood was not the first person to accuse Manson of misconduct, and she was not the last. In 2001 a security guard accused Manson of sexual misconduct. In 2002, he was sued for the wrongful death of Jennifer Syme. A 2011 police report accused Manson of sexual misconduct, too. Several people have come forward to tell stories of inappropriate behavior, and troubling conversations they’ve had with Manson.
The Recording Academy banned Kanye West from performing at the Grammys
Kanye West should have had a big night at the 2022 Grammys. Nominated in seven different categories, West was also expected to perform. West went on several social media rants in the lead-up to the ceremony. He was accused of threatening behavior and harassment toward his ex, Kim Kardashian, and her partner, Pete Davidson.
In March, Instagram suspended West for 24 hours after a series of posts were deemed to include hate speech, harassment, and bullying. The Recording Academy barred West from performing at the 64th Grammy Awards. He opted not to attend the ceremony. According to Harper’s Bazaar, West is stepping back from the spotlight to focus on his health.
Despite his absence, Kanye won two trophies. He didn’t take home top honors for Album of the Year, though.
Louis C.K. won a Grammy after he was”canceled” for sexual misconduct
Louis C.K. took home a Grammy award for his comedy album, Sincerely Louis CK. The album is the comedian’s first album since a slew of sexual abuse allegations. According to reports, Louis C.K. masturbated in front of several women without their consent. Some of the same women accused the comedian of derailing their careers to keep them quiet. Louis C.K. confirmed that the allegations were true.
Comedy fans, activists, and industry insiders met the win with ire. It is his second win after Louis C.K. previously won a Grammy for Live At Madison Square Garden.
Dave Chappelle’s nomination came amid controversy, too
Dave Chappelle already has three Grammy awards for his comedic work. The Recording Academy nominated him in the Best Spoken Word Album category this year. His work, 8:46, focused on violence against the Black community. Aside from the Grammys, the television academy nominated the special for two Emmys.
The Recording Academy nominated Chapelle after he was called out for transphobic comments. Chappelle refused to back down or apologize for his commentary, leading to further criticism. According to the Washington Post, Chappelle insisted he wouldn’t be “bending to anybody’s demands.”
Chappelle did not take home a Grammy this year. Don Cheadle won the category.
