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The stars used the BET Awards scene to criticize Roe’s decision against Wade

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Taraji P. Hanson, Janelle Monet and Jasmine Sullivan were some of the big stars who used the BET awards scene to sharply criticize the Supreme Court’s recent decision to deprive women of their constitutional protection for abortion.

Hanson took to the stage as host of the show on Sunday with an inspiring message of “Black Achievement” before the court overturned Rowe’s remarkable ruling against Wade last week. The actor took the stage after Lizo opened the show with a flute solo in a shiny golden dress, performing his single “About Damn Time”.

“It is high time we talked about the fact that guns have more rights than women. It’s a sad day in America, “said Hanson, thanking Lizzo, who, along with Live Nation, recently donated $ 1 million from the Planned Parenthood tour. “A weapon that can take lives has more power than a woman that can give life – if she decides.

Janelle Monae raised her middle finger to the Supreme Court before presenting the nominees for Best Female R&B / Pop Artist. Her speech won applause at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“These artists make art according to our own conditions, possess our truths and express themselves freely and without apology in a world that tries to control and control our bodies, my body and our decisions, my body,” said the singer, who also gave respect for the LGBTQ + community. “(Explicitly) you the Supreme Court. I know that we are celebrating properly now. We absolutely deserve to celebrate – especially now we need to celebrate our art by defending our rights and our truths. “

Monae then presented Sullivan as the winner in the category – who appealed to men for women’s support.

“It’s a difficult time for us,” Sullivan said. “I want to talk directly to men: We need everyone. We all need you to stand up, to stand up for us, to stand with us. If you have ever benefited from the fact that a woman has made one of the most difficult decisions in her life, which is to terminate a pregnancy, you should be faced. This is not just a female problem. This is a problem for everyone. We need your support more than ever. ”

Lato gave an emotional speech after winning the award for best new artist.

“It gives a professional choice,” said the rapper, who later performed his hit “Big Energy” with Mariah Carey. “He never allows a man to watch my body.”

Singer Thames has dedicated her award for best international act to many women who “dare to dream”.

“Where I come from, things like that don’t happen,” said the Lagos-born singer, Nigeria, who won the best collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid for their song “Essence.” “This is a dream. If you’re watching me, I want you to imagine yourself as I am, because you have to be here too. ”

Doja Cat entered the show as the leading nomination with six. The singer at the top of the charts was named best female R&B pop artist, best female hip-hop singer, album of the year for her hit No. 1 “Planet Her” and BET Her for “Woman”. Her “Kiss Me More” with SZA was nominated for Video of the Year and Best Collaboration.

Sean “Didi” Combs will receive the award for achievement – one of the highest honors of the ceremony. The music mogul is the founder of Bad Boy Records, has his own television network, fashion line and is a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a number of top performers, including Notorious BIG, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith. Evans and 112.

Drake and Ari Lennox were the second most nominated performers, with four nods each. Three others received three nominations, 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” with Lil Wayne before Brandy came on stage with him for his hit “First Class”. As Harlow and Brandy performed, the camera turned to her brother, Ray Jay, who was seen dancing in the audience.

Chance the Rapper and Joey Bada $$ performed “The Highs & the Lows”. In her pink dress, Mooney Long opened her set with an excerpt from “Time Machine” before her sweet “Hrs & Hrs”.

The winners in 19 categories, including film and sports awards, were chosen by the BET Voting Academy, made up of entertainment professionals and fans.