Washington: Former US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened legal action against Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah following a controversial joke linking him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony.

After congratulating Billie Eilish on winning Song of the Year for her track “Wildflower”, Noah made a quip referencing Trump’s past remarks about Greenland. “Wow. That's a Grammy that every artist wants -- almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” the comedian said, drawing laughter from the audience.

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He then added: “Which makes sense because, since Epstein's gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton.”

The remarks sparked a sharp reaction from Trump, who took to his Truth Social platform to lash out at the awards show and its host. Calling the Grammys “the WORST and virtually unwatchable”, Trump went on to directly accuse Noah of making defamatory claims.

“I can't speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight's false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media,” Trump wrote.

The Republican leader further targeted Noah personally, branding the South African-born comedian a “total loser” who needs to “get his facts straight”.

“I'll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M C. ... Get ready Noah, I'm going to have some fun with you!” he added.

Noah, who has largely avoided overt political humour in recent Grammy ceremonies, also announced that this would be his final year as the show’s host after six appearances.

Trump, who previously moved in the same elite social circles as Epstein in Florida and New York, has repeatedly attempted to block the release of documents related to the disgraced financier. More than three million files made public last week included references to several high-profile figures, among them Trump, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and Britain’s Prince Andrew.
AFP