MTV Video Music Awards 2017 take a political turn
susan bro
Susan Bro, mother of Heather Heyer who was killed in Charlottesville clash gave a moving speech
MTV Video Music Awards 2017 took a political turn on Sunday evening with celebrities taking a stand on critical issues.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar took home the prestigious award forVideo of the Year for "HUMBLE" where he dresses up as everything from the pope to Jesus in "The Last Supper." He opened the show with amartial arts-themed performance of the song with ninja dancers, one of which appeared to set himself ablaze. To portray a gender-neutral stance, he tooksix statuettes -- rechristened the "Moon Person" from "Moonman".
In another development, Ed Sheeranwon Artist of the Year, which is a new prize created by merging male and female categories for a gender-neutral ceremony.
The VMAs also saw Heather Heyer's mother come on stage talking about her loss due to the white supremacistrally earlier this month. Heather Heyer was the 32-year-old anti-racism protester who got killed when a white supremacist drove into a crowd during the Charlottesville unrest on August 12. Her mother announced afoundation in honor of her daughter.
In an effort to"make Heather's death count," Susan Bro, her mother said thatthe foundation would offer scholarships to students who pursue social justice.
Susan Bro also presented "Best Fight Against the System," a new award that recognises activism in a music video. She announced that all six contenders would share the prize.
Pink received the Vanguard Award 2017 and mentioned an intimate conversation with her 6-year-old daughter Willow about body shaming. Alessia Cara, in the same length, sang "Scars to Your Beautiful" as anode to healthy body image.
Paris Jackson, a model and the daughter of the late "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, took a jibe at the white supremacists who marched in Charlottesville. She was quoted:"We must show these Nazis that we have zero tolerance for their violence and hatred."
Katy Perry hosted this year's VMAs and took aim at President Trump subtly. She urged fans to choose a winner in a category that remained open to online voting. She said, "This is one election where the popular vote actually matters," and added, "But hurry up before some random Russian pop star wins."
MTV also invited a number of transgender US service people to attend the show. This comes two days after Trump ordered a ban on new transgender recruits in the military.
(WION)