Doechii Addresses Immigration Protests at BET Awards

Doechii made history at the 2023 BET Awards by winning her first award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. In her acceptance speech, she addressed the recent immigration protests in Los Angeles, calling it a “ruthless attack” on communities and questioning the government’s response. Doechii emphasized the importance of standing together against hate and promoting unity among all oppressed groups.

The Peacock Theater, where the awards took place, is located in Downtown Los Angeles, a hotspot for recent protests. California National Guard troops were deployed to the city earlier that week amidst a standoff between immigration agents and protesters. The protests started after Immigration Customs Enforcement officers carried out raids in three locations across the city, leading to dozens of people being taken into custody.

Doechii’s speech also touched on her own experiences as an artist, using her platform to stand up for marginalized communities. She praised the power of unity and solidarity among all groups, including Black people, Latino people, trans individuals, and those from Gaza. Doechii’s message was a powerful call to action, urging attendees to come together against hate and promote hope.

The BET Awards also featured messages of unity and community from other nominees, including Jordin Sparks and Jharrel Jerome. While on the red carpet, Sparks emphasized the importance of finding common ground and Sparks’ comments highlighted the value of artists coming together to support one another during challenging times.

Source: https://variety.com/2025/music/news/doechii-calls-out-trump-administration-bet-awards-speech-1236424229