U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised the Grammy Awards, describing the ceremony as “virtually unwatchable” and accusing its host, Trevor Noah, of making a false and defamatory statement about him.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the Grammys were among the “worst” award shows and claimed broadcaster CBS was “lucky” to no longer air what he called “garbage.”

He also took aim at Noah’s performance as host, comparing him unfavourably to late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

Trump’s comments followed a remark by Noah during the awards ceremony in which he referenced Trump and former President Bill Clinton in relation to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump strongly denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island or being associated with it in any way.

“I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close,” Trump wrote, insisting that he had never previously been accused of such by the media.

He said Noah’s comment was incorrect and defamatory.

The president warned that he was considering legal action against Noah, calling him a “pathetic” and “talentless” master of ceremonies, and suggested his lawyers could pursue a lawsuit for damages.

Trump also referenced previous legal disputes involving media figures, saying they had “worked out well” for him.