LOS ANGELES ( Associated Press) – Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe and Jazmine Sullivan were just some of the big stars who used the BET Awards stage to strongly criticize the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strip women of their constitutional protections for abortion.
Henson took the stage as the show’s host on Sunday with an uplifting message about “Black Excellence,” before appearing last week in the historic Roe v. Wade’s decision to overturn the court. The actor took the stage after Lizzo opened the show after performing her single “About Damn Time.”
“It’s high time we talk about the fact that a woman has more rights than a woman with a gun. It’s a sad day in America,” Henson said, thanking Lizzo, who served as Live Nation’s Also recently donated $1 million in tour proceeds to Planned Parenthood. “A weapon that can take life has more power than a woman that can give life – if she so desires.”
Janelle Monae holds her middle finger toward the Supreme Court before being nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. His speech earned him an enduring applause at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The singer said, “These artists are creating art on their own terms, owning our truth and expressing themselves freely in a world that controls our bodies, my bodies and our decisions, my bodies, and our lives. The police tries to.” For the LGBTQ+ community. “(Clearly) you Supreme Court. I know we’re celebrating us right now just as we should. We absolutely deserve to celebrate—especially now that we have to celebrate our art by defending our rights and our truth. should be celebrated.”
Later, Monáe introduced Sullivan as the winner of the category—who made a plea for support from men to women.
“This is a difficult time for us,” Sullivan said. “I want to speak straight to men: We need you all. We want you all to stand up, stand up for us, stand with us. If you’ve ever been hurt by a woman making the most difficult decision of her life There is benefit, which is to terminate the pregnancy, then you need to stand. It’s not just a woman’s issue. It’s everyone’s issue. We need your support more than ever.”
Doja Cat entered the show as the lead nominee with six. The chart-topping artist received Album of the Year for Best Female R&B-Pop Artist, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, #1 hit “Planet Her” and BET Her for “Woman”. His “Kiss Me More” with SZA has been nominated for Best Video of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Sean “Diddy” Combs will receive a 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, a fashion line and is a three-time Grammy winner, having worked with many top tier artists including Notorious Big, Mary J Blige, Usher, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
Drake and Ari Lennox were the second most nominated acts, each scoring four times. Baby Came, Silk Sonic, Chloe Bailey, Future, HER, Jazmine Sullivan, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Mary J. Several others, including Blige and Thames, received three nominations.
Artists include Lil Wayne, Chance the Rapper, Ella Mai, Roddy Rich and Kirk Franklin.
Winners in 19 categories, including the Film and Sports Awards, are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of entertainment professionals and fans.
