Grammys Faces Boycott Calls Days Before Show

The Grammys is dealing with boycott calls, just days ahead of 2024's ceremony.

The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual awards show, caused controversy in October with its response to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

Now, the group is facing backlash once again, thanks to a resurfaced post on social media.

On October 7, Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people along the border it shares with the Gaza Strip and taking another 240 people hostage, according to the Associated Press. Roughly 364 of those killed were attending the Nova music festival in Negev, along with 40 of those taken captive.

Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, where Hamas is based, before commencing a ground offensive. As of February 2, over 27,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the AP, citing the territory's Health Ministry.

After news of the Hamas attacks broke, the Recording Academy took to social media to express sympathy with Israel.

"As an organization that promotes the unifying and healing power of music, we are shocked and heartbroken by the terrorist attacks in Israel, including the massacre that took place at a music festival where innocent civilians had gathered together for a joyful night of music," the group wrote on X, formerly Twitter in October. "We are praying for the peace and protection for all who are suffering during this terrible time."

However, pro-Palestinian music lovers blasted the message, accusing the academy of only caring for victims in Israel and forgetting civilians in Gaza.

With the Grammys taking place on Sunday, February 4, the post has re-emerged on social media, with some users threatening not to watch this year's gala.

"Let's make sure to boycott the grammys," said Carli, resharing the academy's post, while Mitch said: "Remember that you have a voice and you have a right to use."

Newsweek has reached out to the Recording Academy for comment via email.

The statement on the Israel-Hamas conflict isn't the only reason for people to give the show a miss.

Some users are threatening to boycott the Grammys if singers Lana Del Rey, SZA or Victoria Monet don't win in their respective categories.

Del Rey has been nominated for five awards this year, including both Album and Song of the Year. The 38-year-old has been nominated 11 times since 2014, but has yet to win an award.

SZA, real name Solána Imani Rowe, is another artist who has yet to win a Grammy, despite a whopping 23 nominations since 2018.

The 34-year-old is up for nine awards in 2024, including Record of the Year and Best R&B Performance.

Victoria Monet has been nominated for seven awards this year. The 34-year-old R&B star was also nominated in 2021 and 2020, but didn't land an accolade.

"So ...what do we do if Lana doesn't win a Grammy," asked lanita rose, to which edson morales replied: "Boycott grammys."

"Boycott for Victoria Monet," commented ily, while kae said: "I hope you all are ready to boycott the Grammys if they shut SZA out tonight."

Fans also threatened to boycott the show over its judging panel. The Recording Academy selects winners based on its voting membership, comprised of artists, songwriters and producers.

The organization has previously been called out for its lack of diversity in the voting process. The group has also been criticized for its past treatment of women artists, while chairman Neil Portnow faced backlash in 2017 for telling female nominees to "step up."

"Apparently, a voter from the country #GRAMMYs bench had said anonymously to a @GoldDerby voter this morning that he has never taken Lana Del Rey seriously as an artist and that he will never vote for her on the bench," claimed @LanaOnChart, a Del Rey fan account, on X.

"This is exactly why such awards should not have any credibility," wrote Keti S, while @woeshy commented: "how can they be the most coveted music award when they refuse to diversify the academy."