Kristina Roberts
At the 2025 BET Awards held in Los Angeles, rapper Doechii made headlines not just for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but for using her moment on stage to address serious political issues. The Grammy-winning artist, known for her bold lyrics and fearless attitude, took the opportunity to speak out against the recent immigration raids and protest crackdowns happening across the country. Her emotional speech resonated with the audience, turning what could have been a simple thank-you into a powerful call for justice.
After thanking her fellow nominees and fans, Doechii shifted her focus to the troubling events unfolding outside the awards venue. She spoke passionately about how the government’s actions were causing fear and chaos in communities. “There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she said. Her voice was firm as she addressed the crowd, making it clear that she believed these actions were unjust.
One of the most striking parts of her speech was when she directly called out former President Donald Trump. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest,” she declared. “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 words were met with loud applause from the audience, showing that many people in the room shared her concerns.
Doechii didn’t stop there. She continued by highlighting how families were being torn apart by immigration raids. “People are being swept up and torn from their families,” she said. “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 message was clear—she wanted people to unite against injustice and demand change.
The BET Awards, known for celebrating Black excellence in music, film, and sports, became a platform for more than just entertainment that night. Doechii’s speech reminded everyone that artists have a powerful voice, and sometimes, awards shows can be about more than just trophies and performances.
Meanwhile, the ceremony itself was filled with laughter, music, and memorable moments. Comedian Kevin Hart, who hosted the show, started the night with a series of jokes that had the audience in stitches. He poked fun at celebrity names, joked about the infamous afterparties, and even referenced the ongoing legal case involving Diddy by making a playful comment about baby oil.
Hart also didn’t hold back when teasing some of the night’s honorees. Gospel legend Kirk Franklin, who received the Ultimate Icon Award, was one of his targets. “When you get your award tonight, don’t come up here front twerking,” Hart joked, referring to Franklin’s viral moment when he playfully twerked during a live performance. The crowd burst into laughter as cameras showed Franklin shaking his head and smiling.
The night also featured electrifying performances, with Amerie and Jim Jones kicking off the show. But the biggest star of the night was Kendrick Lamar, who led the nominations with ten nods, including Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed project GNX. His hit diss track Not Like Us, which emerged from his feud with Drake, was also up for Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice Award.
While the BET Awards celebrated music and culture, Doechii’s speech stood out as a defining moment. She used her platform to shed light on real issues affecting people across the country, proving that artists can be more than just entertainers—they can also be voices for change. Her words left a lasting impression, reminding everyone that even in moments of celebration, it’s important to speak up for what’s right.
As the night came to an end, it was clear that the 2025 BET Awards would be remembered not just for the performances and awards but for the powerful statements made on that stage. Doechii’s courage in addressing such a serious topic showed that sometimes, the most impactful moments happen when artists use their fame to stand up for others. Whether through music or speeches, the message was the same—unity, justice, and hope matter. And in a world where so much is happening, that’s a message worth hearing.
