Usher relived the hardships of his life and career in depth during the 2024 BET Awards — but TV audiences missed much of his lifetime achievement speech because he made the censors work overtime!!!
#BETAAwards Two years in a row, but this time during the legendary Usher’s speech. Whoever is in charge of sound never again. This was a cultural moment and we missed 99% of it. We caught it at the end of his speech. 🥴😒 https://t.co/nwP7eIWaLH pic.twitter.com/ltMp5VYW2E
— 🖤✊🏾 (@Misssssbeeee) July 1, 2024
@Senhoritassssbeeee
Fans took to social media to post their frustration, and it was clear why they were upset — BET was forced to mute large portions of his speech, due to Usher dropping some colorful language.
It started out harmlessly enough, Usher credited the crew that joined him on stage — LA Reid, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Coxetc. — as father figures in your life.
But then Usher attacked his late father – Usher Raimundo III – for giving him his name, but not much else and thanked his mother for taking on both roles.
He told the audience, “It takes a forgiving heart to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a black man in America.”
The R&B megastar called on all black parents to speak out and also pledged her support newly graduate teammates Lebron James and your son Bronny.
His choice to drop multiple F-bombs in the first few lines of his speech forced BET’s hand to play it safe and avoid potential fines.
Usher’s bold language came on the heels of his mega tribute starring Children’s Gambino, Teyana Taylor, Keke Palmer, Monet Victory, Chloe, Coco Jones, Tinashe, Marsha Ambrosio It is Lato performing a melody from his hit records.
He earned the right to blow his shit!!!