At the Independent Spirit Awards, Natasha Rothwell made headlines by veering off script to deliver a fierce critique of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ignoring the teleprompter, Rothwell’s unfiltered remarks caught the audience’s attention, as she boldly expressed her stance on the contentious issue.
Known for her role in The White Lotus, Rothwell’s impromptu statement was among the evening’s most politically charged moments. Her actions followed a recent trend seen at the Grammy Awards, where artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Dean used their platform to discuss immigration enforcement and the realities of immigrant identity.
While presenting an award, Rothwell paused and decided to speak candidly, addressing the crowd directly. “I’m gonna go to the prompter, but I just want to say, ‘F*** ICE,'” she declared, making it clear that her words were not part of the pre-approved script.
The packed audience witnessed Rothwell’s direct and confrontational statement, which stood out as the sharpest political commentary of the night. Her candid outburst highlights how immigration enforcement has become a pivotal issue throughout this year’s awards season, sparking dialogue and bringing attention to a subject that resonates deeply with many in the entertainment industry.
Her comment, delivered in front of a packed audience was the most direct and confrontational political statement of the evening.
Her outburst underscores how immigration enforcement has become a flashpoint issue throughout this year’s awards season.
Rothwell was not alone in signaling her opposition.
She was joined by fellow actors including Tessa Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, and Lake Bell, all of whom wore ‘ICE OUT’ pins during the ceremony to protest against federal immigration enforcement policies.
Natasha Rothwell went off script at the Independent Spirit Awards and declared, ‘F*** ICE,’ while presenting on stage
Natasha, 45, starred in two seasons of the award-winning series The White Lotus as resort spa manager Belinda Lindsey – landing two Emmy nods for the role, pictured
The backlash against ICE has intensified in the entertainment industry following a series of controversial incidents involving federal agents, including the January killings of American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The events have reverberated through Hollywood, casting a shadow over celebrations and prompting stars to use major platforms to speak out.
During January’s Grammy’s Puerto Rican performer used his acceptance speeched to send a message to ICE.
‘ICE out. We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,’ Bad Bunny said during his remarks.
He continued with a broader appeal for unity and compassion, adding: ‘The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.’
Olivia Dean echoed the deeply personal nature of the issue while accepting her Grammy, saying: ‘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 delivered one of the evening’s most provocative lines, declaring: ‘No one is illegal on stolen land.’
For some actors, the emotional toll has made awards season feel deeply conflicted.
Bad Bunny used his Grammy Awards speech to denounce immigration enforcement. ‘ICE out. We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.’
Billie Eilish also sparked controversy at the Grammys when she stated, ‘No one is illegal on stolen land,’ during her remarks addressing immigration and identity
Wunmi Mosaku, nominated this year for her performance in Sinners, told The Times . that the unfolding events had overshadowed what should have been a career milestone.
‘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,’ Mosaku said.
She added that the emotional contradiction between professional success and national turmoil had been overwhelming.
‘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?’ she said.
