Bad Bunny Says ‘ICE Out’ During Grammy Win and Earns Huge Standing Ovation: ‘We Are Not Savage. We Are Not Animals. We Are Americans’

During his acceptance of the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album at the 2026 ceremony, Bad Bunny used the platform to deliver a powerful political message. The Puerto Rican superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, began by stating, "Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out." He then directly challenged dehumanizing rhetoric, asserting, "We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."

The artist, who has become one of the world's most influential Latin musicians since his breakout in the late 2010s, expanded on his call for compassion. He acknowledged the difficulty of resisting hatred, noting, "I know it’s tough to know not to hate on these days." Reflecting on how negativity spreads, he added, "I was thinking sometimes, we get contaminados... The hate gets more powerful with more hate." His solution was a clear appeal to empathy, arguing that "The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love." This philosophy aligns with his frequent advocacy for Puerto Rican sovereignty and immigrant rights, themes deeply woven into his musical catalog.

Bad Bunny concluded his speech with a directive for collective action rooted in solidarity rather than animosity. "So please, we need to be different if we fight we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people. We love our family, and that’s the way to do it. With love. Don’t forget that please," he urged the audience. Cultural commentators often note that such moments highlight the Grammy stage's evolution into a venue for substantive social commentary, particularly from artists representing marginalized communities. His award-winning album "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" continues his trend of blending reggaeton and trap with pointed lyrical content.