Last night the 2020 BET Awards went down, and this was the first time that the award show happened virtually due to the current pandemic. Nonetheless, BET did their thing as they continued to showcase black talent and celebrate black culture.
As BET received praise for putting on yet another amazing award show, many people couldn’t help but notice a little mishap that took place during the Memoriam segment of the award show.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network accidentally included Willie Lewis Brown Jr., the former mayor of San Francisco, who is still very much alive. It’s pointed out that they may have meant to feature former NFL star Willie Brown, who unfortunately passed away last October at the age of 78.
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@bet Willie Brown is still alive! #WillieBrown Correct this. #BETAwards2020 pic.twitter.com/0nY2GK0JAj
— Author Joy Elán (@AuthorJoyElan) June 29, 2020
However, it looks like a correction was later made to the segment.
Looks like @BET corrected the In Memoriam tribute to #WillieBrown the late #NFL legend, instead of #WillieBrown, the living legend of CA politics🤭 #BETAwards2020 pic.twitter.com/tJ7QbHegnl
— Luis Alejo⚖️ (@SupervisorAlejo) June 29, 2020
Willie Lewis Brown Jr. served over 30 years in the California State Assembly, spending 15 years as its speaker. He later became mayor of San Francisco and was the first African American to hold that office.
At the moment, BET has not addressed the mistake, nor has Willie Lewis Brown Jr. or anyone from his team.
Nonetheless, the 2020 BET Awards was still a night to remember as it featured performances from artists such as Alicia Keys, Megan Thee Stallion, John Legend, Summer Walker, and many others. There was also a special tribute to Kobe Bryant performed by Lil Wayne and also a tribute to Little Richard performed by Wayne Brady.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
