Musicians at Latin Grammys tell viewers: ‘Don’t vote for racists'

Two big-name musical acts urged audience members at this year’s Latin Grammys to vote against “racist” politicians, in an apparent shot across the bow at Donald Trump and other presidential candidates who have made disparaging remarks about Hispanic immigrants.

The band Los Tigres del Norte finished a performance during the awards show, which aired Thursday night, by displaying a banner with the words, “Latinos unidos, no voten por los racistas,” which translates to “Latinos united, don’t vote for racists.”

The band Maná, which took home the award for best pop/rock album, inserted a similar message into its acceptance speech.

“This is how we can use our power. We have to exercise our right to vote, and vote for those who will give more quality [of life] to Latinos, to the candidates,” said lead singer Fher. “Use your strength, Latinos!"

Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the Republican presidential primary, made headlines this summer when, while announcing his candidacy, he described Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists. His remarks were widely condemned by immigrant advocacy groups.

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders also took a shot at Donald Trump on Thursday, in a Q&A session with Georgetown University students. Trump and other candidates have been “injecting racism into the debate” over immigration, said Sanders.