You better believe that Lil Nas X had the perfect response cued up when some haters complained about his same-sex kiss with a dancer during his flashy, Michael Jackson-inspired run through of “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” at Sunday night’s (June 27) 2021 BET Awards.
During Lil Nas’ “Remember the Time”-style set — in which he shared a kiss with a male dancer at the end of the set — the 22-year-old rapper’s lip-lock drew cheers and some standing ovations in the house and online, but some Twitter users took the opportunity to lash out with homophobic remarks. “DON’T USE AFRICAN CULTURE FOR S–TS LIKE THIS!!!! RESPECT OUR ANCESTORS,” wrote one, seemingly in response to the costuming in the performance.
Lil Nas, who was dressed like an Egyptian pharaoh with matching knee-high boots, was seemingly unfazed, hitting back with, “Y’all really like to pretend homosexuality didn’t exist in African culture.”
On a night with plenty of surprises and classic moments, from an emotional DMX tribute to Cardi B revealing her second pregnancy, one Twitter user accused Lil Nas of being outrageous for pay. “I’m sure he was paid a million dollars to wear this nonsense. This will cause other little boys that admire him to dress this way for free and I hate seeing men emasculated,” he wrote of the rapper’s red carpet outfit.
Once again, Lil Nas knew just how to respond. “we causing the emasculation of men all 2021,” the MC wrote alongside a 100, purple devil and ice-cold face emoji. He also got some praise for the voluminous, chest-baring gown he wore on the carpet. “Thanks lil nas x, now im gonna go wear a dress in the hood,” wrote one. Nas replied, “my pleasure.”
Check out Lil Nas X’s responses and BET Awards performance below.
