Doechii blasts Trump’s protest crackdown during BET Awards, calls for unity across communities under fire
The American rapper and singer known as Doechii claimed the award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the 2025 BET Awards, then took the opportunity to deliver a powerful message about the ongoing immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles.
Taking the stage at what she said was her first-ever BET Awards appearance, the “Alter Ego” rapper paid tribute to her fellow nominees before turning attention to the unrest outside the venue.
“As much as I’m honoured by this award, I do want to address what’s happening right now outside of the building,” she said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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Doechii condemned the US federal government’s response to “peaceful” demonstrations, telling the crowd, “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y’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?”
Despite the escalating tension outside, a BET spokesperson confirmed earlier that the awards show would proceed as scheduled.
The protests were sparked by a wave of immigration raids across LA County in recent days, prompting clashes between the demonstrators and law enforcement.
Crowds gathered outside City Hall and the federal courthouse on Sunday, eventually blocking traffic on a major freeway. President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to the region then drew criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the action “unlawful” and formally requested that the troops be returned to his command.
“People are being swept up and torn from their families,” Doechii continued.
“I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people — for Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza. We all deserve to live in hope, not fear. I hope we stand together, my brothers and sisters, against hate.”
The 2025 BET Awards. held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by Kevin Hart, celebrated a year of standout musical talent. Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with ten nods, followed by Future, GloRilla and Drake.
Performances included Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, Playboi Carti, Leon Thomas and GloRilla herself.
