Stars use BET Awards stage to criticize Roe v. Wade ruling

Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Jazmine Sullivan were some of the big stars who used the BET Awards to strongly criticize the recent Supreme Court decision to remove women’s constitutional protection from abortion.

Henson stepped onto the stage to moderate the show on Sunday with an uplifting message of “black perfection” before reversing the landmark Roe v. Wade was convicted last week. The actor took the stage after Lizzo opened the show with a flute solo in a shiny golden dress and performed her single “About Damn Time”.

“It’s about a destructive time when we talk about guns having more rights than women. It’s a sad day in America, “said Henson, who thanked Lizz, who recently donated $ 1 million in tower revenue to Planned Parenthood with Live Nation.” A weapon that can kill and life has more power than a woman can give her – if she wants to. ”

Janelle Monae raised her finger to the Supreme Court before announcing a nomination for Best Female R&B / Pop Artist. His speech received strong applause at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“These artists create art according to our own conditions, they own our truths and they express themselves freely and unforgettably in a world that tries to control and control our bodies, I the body and our decisions,” said the singer, to whom I also pay tribute. in the LGBTQ + community. “(Of course) the Supreme Court. I know today that we feel we should. It is definitely worth the effort to celebrate – especially now that we have to celebrate our art by defending our rights and our truths.

Then Monae introduced Sullivan as the category winner – she begged men for women’s support.

“These were hard times for us,” Sullivan said. “I want to speak directly to men: We need you all. We must all stand, stand behind us, stand by us.” If you have benefited from a woman who is making one of the most difficult decisions of her life, namely terminating her pregnancy, you need to get up. It’s not just a woman’s business. This is everyone’s business. We need your support more than ever. ”

Latto gave an emotional speech after winning the best new artist.

“It gives pro-choice,” said the rapper, who later created his hit “Big Energy” with Mariah Carey. “He’ll never let anyone cleanse my body.”

Singer Tems donates her best international action award to many women who “dare to dream”.

“Where I come from, things don’t happen,” said a Lagos-born singer in Nigeria, who won the best collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid for the song “Essence”. “It’s a dream. When you look at me, I want you to introduce yourself as me, because you have to be here too.”

Doja Cat entered the show as the best nominee with six. The artist who topped the charts for best pop R&B artist, best hip-hop artist, album of the year for her no. 1 hit “Planet Her” and BET Her for “Woman.” Her “Kiss Me More” with SZA was nominated for Video of the Year and Best Collaboration.

Sean “Diddy” Combs will receive a lifetime achievement award – one of the highest honors of the ceremony. Music mogul is the founder of Bad Boy Records, has his own television network, fashion line and three-time Grammy winner who collaborates with many top artists, including Notorious BIG, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.

Drake and Ari Lennox were the second most nominated actors, each with four nods. Three others received three nominations, including Baby Keem, Silk Sonic, Chloe Bailey, Future, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Mary J. Blige and Tems.

Jack Harlow played “Poison” with Lil Wayne before Brandy went on stage with him with his hit “First Class”. As Harlow and Brandy performed, the camera turned to his brother Ray J, who was seen dancing with the audience. Chance the Rapper and Joey Bada $$ played “The Highs & the Lows.” Muni Long in her pink dress opened her set with a snippet of “Time Machine” for her jam “Hrs & Hrs.”

The winners in 19 categories, including film and sports awards, were chosen by BET’s Voting Academy, which consists of professionals and fans in the field of entertainment.