AceShowbiz - Justin Vernon, the frontman of Bon Iver, has recently addressed comments made by political commentator Megyn Kelly, who mocked his decision to wear an anti-ICE whistle at the Grammy Awards.

During the red carpet event, Vernon shared that the whistle served as a symbolic gesture representing the voices of those in Minneapolis affected by recent protests.

This year’s Grammy Awards were marked by a notable stand against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish also making their positions clear. Vernon was among those donning an 'ICE OUT' pin as a clear signal of solidarity during the ceremony held on February 1.

The whistle was a poignant reminder of the recent tragedies involving two local citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot. Good, aged 37, was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7, an event that ignited widespread protests across the nation. Just weeks later, Pretti, also 37, was shot dead by an officer in a confrontation less than a mile from where Good lost her life. Both men were US citizens, and Pretti had actively participated in the demonstrations following Good’s death.

In a segment aired on her SiriusXM show, Kelly ridiculed Vernon, highlighting his whistle in a clip titled ‘Ridiculous Musician Bon Iver Actually Wears WHISTLE to the Grammys to Honor the Anti-ICE Protestors’. She laughed at Vernon, saying, “We got this guy Bon with his little whistle on his lapel.”

Kelly then turned to conservative radio host Jesse Kelly for his thoughts, who remarked on the irony of celebrities at the Grammys enjoying safety and security while he claimed the American public fears violence from immigrants.

In response, Vernon took to his Substack, expressing his strong feelings about the mockery he received. He described the term “ridiculous musician” as a “dope complement” and clarified, “I disagree with Megyn Kelly’s politics pretty deeply, but she has done some inspiring things in the course of her career.”

He further addressed Jesse Kelly's comments, stating, “Have been to one Red Lobster, in Eau Claire, 27 years ago. Didn’t have security then, and have never hired personal security guards, because I don’t need them. But thanks for thinking I’m that famous … The man seems to think there are only criminals bred outside of the United States. Honestly, thought-provoking.”

Additionally, Kelly aimed her criticism at Bad Bunny, questioning his wealth after his passionate anti-ICE speech during the Grammys, suggesting, “He’s against ICE. I mean, I feel like we might want to send ICE down to his compound. He’s worth a hundred million dollars, reportedly.”

In the face of such criticism, Vernon's unwavering commitment to advocacy and representation remains at the forefront of his actions, showcasing the intersection of music and social consciousness.