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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Jazmine Sullivan were some of the big stars who took advantage of the BET Awards stage to slam the Supreme Court’s recent decision to remove women’s constitutional protections from abortion criticize.
Henson took the stage as the show’s host on Sunday with an uplifting message about “black excellence” before she entered the cancellation of the landmark Roe v. Wade judgment by the court. The actor took the stage after Lizzo opened the show with a flute solo in a glittery gold outfit performing her single “About Damn Time.”
“It’s damn time to start talking about guns having more rights than a woman. It’s a sad day in America,” Henson said, thanking Lizzo, who along with Live Nation recently donated $1 million in tour proceeds to Planned Parenthood. “A weapon that can take life has more power than a woman who can give life – if she chooses to.”
Janelle Monae held up her middle finger in the direction of the Supreme Court before introducing the nominees for Best R&B/Pop Artist. Her speech received a standing ovation at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
“These artists make art on our own terms, stand by our truths and express ourselves freely and uncompromisingly in a world that tries to control and monitor our bodies, my body and our choices, my body,” said the singer, who also paid homage to the LGBTQ+ community. “(Specifically) you Supreme Court. I know we’re celebrating like we should. We absolutely deserve to celebrate – especially now we should celebrate our art by protecting our rights and truths.”
Monae then introduced Sullivan as the category winner – who asked the men for their support of women.
“It’s a tough time for us,” Sullivan said. “I would like to address the men directly: we need you all. We need you all to stand up, stand up for us, stand up with us. If you’ve ever benefited from a woman making one of the most difficult decisions of her life—terminating an abortion—you need to stop. It’s not just a women’s issue. That’s for everyone. We need your support more than ever.”
Latto gave an emotional speech after winning Best New Artist.
“There’s pro choice,” said the rapper, who later performed her hit song “Big Energy” with Mariah Carey. “There is never a man to monitor my body.”
Singer Tems dedicated her Best International Act award to the many women who “dare to dream”.
“Things like that don’t happen where I’m from,” said the Lagos, Nigeria-born singer, who won Best Collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid for her song “Essence.” “It’s a dream. If you’re watching me, I want you to introduce yourself as me, because you’re supposed to be here too.”
Doja Cat entered the show as a lead nominee when she was six. The chart-topper is nominated for Best R&B Pop Artist, Best Hip-Hop Artist, Album of the Year and BET Her for “Woman” for her #1 hit “Planet Her.” Her “Kiss Me More” with SZA is nominated for Video of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Sean “Diddy” Combs receives the Lifetime Achievement Award – one of the highest honors at the ceremony. The music mogul is the founder of Bad Boy Records, has his own television network, clothing line and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with a number of high profile artists including Notorious BIG, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112
Drake and Ari Lennox were the second most nominated acts, each garnering four nominations. Three nominations went to several others including Baby Keem, Silk Sonic, Chloe Bailey, Future, HER, Jazmine Sullivan, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Mary J. Blige and Tems.
Jack Harlow performed “Poison” alongside Lil Wayne before Brandy joined him on stage for his hit song “First Class.” While Harlow and Brandy performed, the camera turned to their brother Ray J, who was seen dancing in the audience.
Chance the Rapper and Joey Bada$$ performed “The Highs & the Lows”. In her pink dress, Muni Long opened her set with a snippet from “Time Machine” before her jam “Hrs & Hrs”.
Winners in the 19 categories, including film and sports awards, are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, made up of entertainment professionals and fans.
