BET responds to Lil Nas X after rapper calls out “homophobia in the Black community”
BET has released a statement in response to Lil Nas X’s recent diss track and allegations of homophobia. On 1 June, the awards show – which celebrates African-American artists in music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment – announced their nominations for the upcoming 2022 ceremony, which features stars such as Doja Cat, Drake and Chloe X Halle.
Despite having two of the most commercially successful tracks of 2021 with MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) and the Jack Harlow-assisted Industry Baby, both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100, Lil Nas X was snubbed. “Thank you, BET awards.
An outstanding zero nominations again. Black excellence,” the rapper tweeted in response, before providing further insight into his frustration: “I just feel like black gay ppl have to fight to be seen in this world and even when we make it to the top mfs try to pretend we are invisible.” Following his tweets, the Grammy winner doubled down on his comments with a snippet of his brand new single, Late to the Party.
In a video, Lil Nas X can be seen singing along to the song’s opening line, “F**k BET.” In an additional tweet, Lil Nas X wrote: “This is not over no BET award this is about the bigger problem of homophobia in the black community, y’all can sit and pretend all u want but I’ma risk it for us.” After a fan questioned why the star would care about the snub when he’s been recognised with two Grammy Awards, he said “this is my point exactly”. “How can i get acknowledged by the most acclaimed award show in the world and then not even just 1 nomination from my own people?
