Why Tiffany Haddish Turned Down Hosting The Grammys Pre-Show

Tiffany Haddish was offered the chance to host the 63rd Grammy Awards pre-show next month, but fans won't be seeing her headlining the prestigious gig. In a recent interview with Variety, she explained the reason she declined the opportunity.

Haddish revealed that she wasn't offered any compensation when approached by the Recording Academy for the event and that she would also have to take care of her hair, makeup, and wardrobe. "All of that would have to come out of my pocket," she said, adding, "I don't know if this might mean I might not get nominated ever again, but I think it's disrespectful."

She continued, "I was like, 'The exposure is amazing but I think I have enough. I appreciate you guys asking. And as much as I appreciate the honor of being nominated, that's not okay. This is something that needs to be addressed."

Haddish compared the situation to being asked on a date and then having to pay for it. A representative for the Recording Academy told Variety that the Grammy Premiere Ceremony is hosted by the Academy, which is a not-for-profit organization, and that hosts, presenters, and performers have always volunteered their time.

After Haddish's comments, Recording Academy interim president and CEO Harvey Mason Jr. issued an apology in an Instagram video. He said that he was unaware that the talent booker who had contacted Haddish had said they wouldn't cover any costs associated with her appearance. "To me, that was wrong," he said. "I'm frustrated by that decision. It was a lapse in judgment, it was in poor taste and it was disrespectful to the creative community. I'm part of the creative community. I know what that feels like, and it's not right."

He added, "I apologized to her personally and I apologized to her from the academy, I expressed to her my regret and my displeasure about how this went down and about how this was handled. Again, I want to say, Tiffany, we are sorry and thank you for allowing me to speak on it."