Esperanza Spalding Brought A Cutout Of A Musician After The Grammys Allegedly “Refused” Him A Seat

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Esperanza Spalding is calling out the Grammys for allegedly refusing a seat to fellow nominee Milton Nascimento.

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The multi-Grammy award-winning artist arrived on the Grammy red carpet hand-in-hand with 82-year-old legendary Brazilian musician to celebrate their “Best Jazz Vocal Album” nomination for Milton + esperanza.

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Although the two were both in attendance, Esperanza claimed Milton wasn’t allowed to sit at her table on the ceremony floor.

Two individuals on a red carpet; one in a black suit and cap, the other in a green velvet suit and silver heels, both posing at a Grammy event

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So, she decided to take matters in her own hands so that his presence would still be felt, even if he wasn’t allowed to physically be next to her. Esperanza took to Instagram to show fans her cutout of Milton and the reason behind it.

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The post was accompanied by an image of Esperanza holding up a cutout photo of Milton with the words, “This living legend should be seated here.”

“Soooo, Milton was refused a seat at the tables for this year’s ceremony,” Esperanza wrote in the caption. “That didnā€™t sit right with me.”

Two people on a red carpet. The person on the left wears sunglasses, a dark suit, and a hat. The person on the right wears a velvet gown

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“Iā€™m not talking about a Grammy win. We are celebrating the glorious @samarajoysings win, Iā€™m talking about a physics seatā€¦here at this table Iā€™m sitting at.”

Musician playing guitar on stage, wearing a casual light top and jeans, with large earrings, singing into a microphone

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Samara Joy took home the Grammy for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” for A Joyful Holiday.

“Iā€™m mad this living legend wasnā€™t considered important enough to sit among the A Listers, or however tables on the main floor are organized. So, I had to bring him with me.”

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Many people showed their support and frustration toward the situation, including Willow Smith who helped raise the sign at the ceremony for awareness.

The academy has yet to respond to these allegations.

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