Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish announced in a Variety interview earlier this week that she had been asked to host the Grammys pre-broadcast premiere next year, but had to turn it down because the Recording Academy wasn’t offering her or hers Paying for it may be associated with hosting the show. Following the reveal, an executive from The Recording Academy spoke to Haddish and apologized to her on Instagram.
Haddish also received a second best comedy album nomination for Netflix’s Black Mitzvah after being nominated for The Last Black Unicorn in the spoken word category in 2018.
She told Variety that when they asked her to host, they mentioned that they would not cover any hair, makeup, or dressing room for the three-hour event. “I was like, ‘The exposure is amazing, but I think I’ve had enough. I appreciate you guys asking, ”said Haddish. “And as much as I appreciate the honor of being nominated, that’s not okay.”
“This is something that needs to be addressed,” continued Haddish. “How many other people have you done this to? It’s like when a guy asks you out on a date but tells you that you have to pay for it. “
According to USA Today, Harvey Mason Jr., interim president and CEO of the Recording Academy, posted an Instagram video early Thursday morning to apologize to Haddish. He explained that a talent booker told her they would not cover these costs.
“It was wrong for me,” said Mason. “This decision frustrates me. It was a misconception, it was tasteless, and it was disrespectful to the creative community. I am part of the creative community. I know what that feels like and it’s not right. “
“I apologized to her personally, and I apologized to her from the Academy. I expressed my regret and displeasure with how this happened and how it was handled,” said Mason. “Again, I want to say, Tiffany, we are sorry and thank you for allowing me to speak about this.”
The 63rd Grammys will take place on January 31, 2021