‘My parents are immigrants, came to US legally’: Influencer responds to backlash after sitting through anti-ICE standing ovation at Grammys

Conservative influencer and sports journalist Emily Austin has spoken out after her reaction to a political moment at the 2026 Grammy Awards went viral. Austin, 24, was filmed sitting while much of the audience stood and cheered during singer Billie Eilish’s anti‑ICE remarks at the awards in Los Angeles.

After the clip of her reaction spread online, Austin took to X to explain her position. She wrote, “People ask how I can be pro‑ICE if my parents are immigrants. They came here legally. Hope this helps.”

The moment that sparked the reaction came when Eilish used her acceptance speech for Song of the Year to criticise the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Eilish said “no one is illegal on stolen land” and concluded with “F‑‑‑ ICE,” which drew cheers and a standing ovation from many in the audience.

In the video Austin shared, she mocked Eilish’s remarks, which went viral online. Many of her followers praised her for pushing back against the Grammy stage’s political message. She also said "We love our law enforcement" while sitting in the audience.

After the clip spread, Austin said in follow‑up posts that she received private support for her views on immigration enforcement. She added that many people had approached her quietly and whispered in her ear that she is "brave" to show solidarity. In a Fox News interview, Emily called political statements made at the Grammy's "performative and theatrical."

Her comments have become part of a larger discussion about political statements at entertainment events. Several artists, including Eilish and Bad Bunny, used their Grammy speeches to criticise immigration policy and ICE.