Credited from: SFGATE
At the recent BET Awards held in Los Angeles, Grammy winner Doechii accepted her first-ever BET Award, which she utilized as a platform to address significant social issues. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted the ongoing immigration raids and protest crackdowns occurring just miles from the event. “There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” Doechii stated, emphasizing her role as an artist to speak out for those affected by these issues, according to HuffPost and SFGate.
Doechii's comments were particularly pointed towards the Trump administration's use of military forces against protesters, asking, “What type of government is that?” Her remarks drew applause as she called attention to the detrimental impact of such actions on communities, specifically noting how “people are being swept up and torn from their families,” according to The Hill and HuffPost.
The timing of Doechii’s statements coincided with escalated tensions in Los Angeles, where protests arose over immigration policies, prompting the deployment of additional National Guard troops by the federal government. Reports indicate that these actions were authorized as demonstrations intensified, with Doechii articulating the fear and chaos it brings to local communities, according to SFGate and The Hill.
The BET Awards, which celebrated its 25th anniversary, featured not only Doechii's compelling speech but also performances and tributes that reflected the cultural significance of the event. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the ceremony included humor and homage to past icons while spotlighting current nominees and contributors in the industry. Hart's banter set a lighthearted tone, contrasting the day’s more serious issues addressed by artists like Doechii, according to The Hill and SFGate.