It was only a matter of time until the Grammys got political, but singer Joy Villa certainly kicked things off by arriving in a “Build the Wall” inspired dress, complete with brick print and barbed wire.
Villa, who is of Latino and African American descent, attended the 61st annual Grammys in Los Angeles yesterday wearing a long white gown with brick print, a barbed wire accessory that was wrapped around her back, a spiked headband and a red purse with the words “Make America Great again”. On the back of her dress, the infamous phrase “Build the Wall” was printed in red font.
In an interview on the red carpet, the 31-year-old explained her outfit choice by saying:
I believe in building the wall to protect our southern border. Not to keep people out, but protect the citizens of our country
I'm part Latina, I'm black and I believe in what the president is saying. This [the dress] to me is a representation of that in a very visual way and I always like making a statement
The singer, who in the past has stated that she is against abortion and illegal immigration, also took to Twitter to further defend her choice.
I don’t care what anyone thinks. I 100% support the wall & our President @realDonaldTrump. Do you want more drugs b… https://t.co/t53hfNOpKP— Joy Villa (@Joy Villa) 1549848290
My gorgeous couture #grammys gown is inspired by @realDonaldTrump & past president @BarackObama preaching a safer s… https://t.co/pF194hdf7b— Joy Villa (@Joy Villa) 1549847813
This is not the first time that Trump supporter Villa has chosen to make a political fashion statement on the red carpet, in fact, it's not even the first time that the popstar has turned up to the Grammys wearing a controversial outfit.
Last year, the singer wore a rainbow-coloured anti-abortion dress to the ceremony, which also depicted and unborn baby in the womb and in 2017 she wore a blue Make America Great Again gown that featured Donald Trump's name embellished along the back.
My fave dress @Joy_Villa. So pretty https://t.co/GuCzRhj5YQ— Jennifer Chernick (@Jennifer Chernick) 1549869140
Joy Villa, the singer who wore a #MAGA dress last year is back at the #GRAMMYs with an anti-abortion dress that loo… https://t.co/dV7DkDAXTS— LGBT+ Puerto Rico (@LGBT+ Puerto Rico) 1517189101
It comes as no surprise that the very bold and literal fashion statement from this years Grammy Awards has drawn quite a strong reaction online.
While some defended her outfit choice, praising her for being outspoken about her beliefs...
@Joy_Villa I don't agree with your views but I support your right to express them. Keep being brave. :)— Mary D'Alba (@Mary D'Alba) 1549863088
@Joy_Villa Block out the haters. No room for nothing but love and acceptance even if we don’t agree. ❤️ You’re awesome!— A Very Gay Butterfly (@A Very Gay Butterfly) 1549857682
Others ripped into her, condemning her for taking it too far with her dress and questioning who she even is...
And she had the nerve to wear Barbed wire around her neck to symbolize immigrants staying out. I can hold conversat… https://t.co/h7OR9AjiDx— Ja'Mal Green (@Ja'Mal Green) 1549862015
Who’s Joy Villa?! https://t.co/Ndw7MaSUlk— Alex Salas (@Alex Salas) 1549857867
@Joy_Villa @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/4biOgWOw4g— Annalee (@Annalee) 1549848806
How did Joy Villa get past security again? https://t.co/KUtp3LcIjp— C (@C) 1549867916
@Joy_Villa @realDonaldTrump R.I.P. your career. Not that anyone knew who you were prior to this 🤣— car9vel (@car9vel) 1549848949
HT Insider