At the Grammy Awards, country-rap artist Jelly Roll talked about his faith during his acceptance speech, only to sidestep questions about controversial immigration enforcement operations when confronted by reporters moments later.
Taking the stage to accept his award, the Tennessee native wasted no time making his priorities clear. “I know they’re going to try to kick me off here, so just let me try to get this out. First of all, Jesus, I hear you and I’m listening, Lord. I am listening, Lord,” he stated.
He credited both his wife and his Christian faith with saving his life, stating, “I’d have ended up in jail. I’d have taken my own life if it wasn’t for you and Jesus.”
During his speech, Jelly Roll talked about faith and politics directly. “I want to tell y’all right now, Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have him. Have a relationship with him. I love you, Lord,” he proclaimed.
After the event, when reporters backstage asked about ongoing ICE operations and immigration enforcement, Jelly Roll abruptly distanced himself from the topic. “People shouldn’t care to hear my opinion, man. I’m a dumb redneck,” he said, deflecting the question.
He explained that he recently went 18 months without a phone and has only had one for four months, claiming he remains disconnected from current events.
“I didn’t even know politics were real until I was in my mid twenties in jail,” he stated during the interview.
However, Jelly Roll promised his silence was temporary. “I have a lot to say about it and I’m going to in the next week and everybody’s going to hear exactly what I have to say about it in the most loud and clear way I’ve ever spoken in my life. So I look forward to it,” he told reporters.
