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

Henson took the stage because the present’s host on Sunday with an uplifting message about “Black excellence” earlier than she launched into the court docket’s overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling final week. The actor took the stage after Lizzo opened the present with a flute solo in a glittery-gold outfit performing her single “About Damn Time.”

“It’s about damn time we talk about the fact that guns have more rights than a woman. It’s a sad day in America,” mentioned Henson, thanking Lizzo who together with Live Nation not too long ago donated $1 million in tour proceeds to Planned Parenthood. “A weapon that can take lives has more power than a woman that can give life – if she chooses to.”

Janelle Monae held up her center finger towards the Supreme Court earlier than she launched nominees for finest feminine R&B/pop artist. Her speech earned a standing applause on the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Janelle Monae presents the award for finest feminine R&B/pop artist on the BET Awards on Sunday, June 26, 2022, on the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“These artists are making art on our own terms, owning our truths and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to control and police our bodies, my body and our decisions, my body,” mentioned the singer, who additionally paid homage to the LGBTQ+ group. “(explicit) you Supreme Court. I know we’re celebrating us right now as we should. We absolutely deserve to celebrate — especially now we should celebrate our art by protecting our right and our truths.”

Afterwards, Monae launched Sullivan because the class’s winner — who made a plea to males for his or her assist of girls.

“It’s a hard time for us,” Sullivan mentioned. “I want to speak directly to the men: We need y’all. We need y’all to stand up, stand up for us, stand up with us. If you’ve ever benefitted from a woman making one of the toughest decisions of her life, which is to terminate a pregnancy, you need to be standing. This is not just a woman issue. This is everybody’s issue. We need your support more than ever.”

Latto gave an emotional speech after she received finest new artist.

“It’s giving pro-choice,” mentioned the rapper, who later carried out her smash hit “Big Energy” with Mariah Carey. “It’s never giving a man policing my body.”

Singer Tems devoted her finest worldwide act award to the numerous ladies who “dare to dream.”

“Where I’m from, things like this don’t happen,” mentioned the Lagos, Nigeria-born singer who received finest collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid for his or her tune “Essence.” “This is a dream. If you’re watching me, I want you to imagine yourself as me because you are meant to be here too.”

Doja Cat entered the present because the main nominee with six. The chart-topping performer is up for finest feminine R&B-pop artist, finest feminine hip-hop artist, album of the 12 months for her No. 1 hit “Planet Her” and BET Her for “Woman.” Her “Kiss Me More” with SZA is nominated for video of the 12 months and finest collaboration.

Sean “Diddy” Combs will obtain the Lifetime Achievement Award — one of many highest honors on the ceremony. The music mogul is the founding father of Bad Boy Records, has his personal tv community, trend line and is a three-time Grammy winner who has labored with a slew of top-tier artists together with Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.

Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives on the BET Awards on Sunday, June 26, 2022, on the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Drake and Ari Lennox have been the second-most nominated acts, scoring 4 nods every. Three nominations went to a number of others together with Baby Keem, Silk Sonic, Chloe Bailey, Future, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Ye (previously referred to as Kanye West), Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Mary J. Blige and Tems.

Jack Harlow carried out “Poison” alongside Lil Wayne earlier than Brandy hit the stage with him for his hit “First Class.” While Harlow and Brandy carried out, the digicam turned to her brother, Ray J, who was seen dancing within the viewers.

Chance the Rapper and Joey Bada$$ carried out “The Highs & the Lows.” In her pink robe, Muni Long opened her set with a snippet of “Time Machine” earlier than her jam “Hrs & Hrs.”

The winners within the 19 classes, together with movie and sports activities awards, are chosen by BET’s Voting Academy, comprised of leisure professionals and followers.