Actress Natasha Rothwell deviated from the teleprompter during the Independent Spirit Awards, delivering a profanity-laced criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Rothwell, known for her role as resort spa manager Belinda Lindsey in two seasons of HBO’s The White Lotus, earned two Emmy nominations for the performance. While presenting an award, the 45-year-old paused and declared, “I’m gonna go to the prompter, but I just want to say, ‘F*** ICE,'” making it clear she spoke off-script before a full audience.
Her remark marked one of the night’s boldest political statements, highlighting immigration enforcement as a key controversy in this awards season.
Celebrity Solidarity Against ICE
Rothwell joined other stars like Tessa Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, and Lake Bell, who wore “ICE OUT” pins to protest federal immigration policies.
Grammys Echo Similar Sentiments
Weeks earlier at the Grammy Awards, artists voiced strong opposition. Bad Bunny stated during his acceptance speech, “ICE out. We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” He added, “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”
Olivia Dean shared, “I just wanna say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I am a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Billie Eilish remarked, “No one is illegal on stolen land.”
Backlash Fuels Hollywood Tension
Opposition has grown following January incidents where ICE agents killed American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. These events have influenced awards celebrations, prompting public outcries.
Wunmi Mosaku, nominated for her role in Sinners, described the conflict: “I’ve not been able to celebrate because of what’s going on right now, with the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minnesota.” She continued, “It’s difficult to hold both the nomination and the news because one feels beautiful and one is so dark and heavy; truly dystopian – how can I possibly go out and buy some drinks and enjoy the moment?”
