The BET Awards celebrated 25 years of Black culture, music, and activism on Monday night with a show that blended celebrity moments, sharp humor, and pointed political commentary.
From the stage of the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, artists used their platforms to speak directly to the moment. Doechii, accepting her first BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, seized the spotlight early with a powerful speech addressing the immigration raids and protest crackdowns taking place just blocks away.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she said. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?”
Her remarks came on the heels of President Donald Trump’s order to send an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to ongoing immigration protests. The Pentagon confirmed that the deployment brought the number of Guard members under federal orders to more than 4,100. Approximately 700 Marines were also sent to the city earlier in the day.
California quickly moved to challenge the deployment. State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against Trump, saying the president had “trampled” California’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Trump endorsed threats made by border official Tom Homan, who warned that state officials obstructing federal enforcement could face arrest.
“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump said. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded, “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”
Back inside the theater, Doechii continued: “People are being swept up and torn from their families. I feel like it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.”
Her words earned a standing ovation, setting the tone for a night filled with heartfelt tributes and unflinching truths.
The evening also honored Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin with the Ultimate Icon Award, recognizing their achievements in entertainment and their ongoing impact in their communities.
Foxx, the first to accept the honor, became emotional during his speech while reflecting on a near-fatal health scare in 2023.
“When I saw the memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me,’” he told the crowd.
In a previous interview with The Associated Press, he shared that “the thing was almost a wrap. Every prayer counted.”
Having been presented the award by Stevie Wonder, Foxx’s voice broke with gratitude as he addressed the audience.
“I don’t know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance — I won’t turn it down,” he said. His daughters and sister looked on from the crowd, visibly moved.
Mariah Carey, receiving her first BET Award, thanked Busta Rhymes for his introduction and reflected on personal growth.
“It took me a while, but I finally realized that life is far too short to live for anyone else’s approval, which is something I always did,” she said. “I decided to own who I am.”
Snoop Dogg took the stage next, introduced by Dr. Dre. Accompanied by his wife Shante Taylor, the rapper paid respect to his fellow honorees before thanking those who supported him through his journey.
“Hip-hop gave me a voice. It gave me a purpose. It gave me a way out and a way into homes, hearts, cultures and countries I’d never thought I would even touch,” he said. “Being an icon isn’t about fame. It’s about legacy. It’s about what you build, what you leave behind and who you lift up along the way.”
Kirk Franklin, accepting the same honor, acknowledged his imperfections with humility and humor.
“I can’t even sing,” he joked. “Which makes this award so amazing, because what I do really don’t make sense. If you’re listening to this, that’s when you know it’s God.”
