Doechii was named best female hip-hop artist at the BET Awards on Monday night — but she used her acceptance speech to condemn President Donald Trump’s “ruthless attacks” happening right outside in downtown Los Angeles.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” Doechii said.
“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?” Doechii continued, prompting applause from the audience.
“People are being swept up and torn from their families, and I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people,” the breakout rapper added.
Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the weekend to quell protests against Immigration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. On Monday, Trump deployed an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to LA.
The state of California has already sued the Trump administration over what it argues is an illegal federalization of the National Guard.
