As protests continue to roil the streets of Los Angeles in response to federal immigration raids and the controversial deployment of the National Guard, organizers of the 2025 BET Awards have confirmed the show will go on as scheduled. The ceremony, set for Monday, June 9, at the Peacock Theater, remains on track despite the rising tension downtown.
In a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter, a BET spokesperson addressed growing concerns about safety and logistics amid the citywide unrest: “BET remains committed to the safety of our guests and staff. We are working closely with LAPD and monitoring the situation. The 2025 BET Awards will take place Monday, June 9th, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT as scheduled.”
Los Angeles has seen days of intense protests following widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants in neighborhoods like Paramount, Compton, and downtown L.A. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into chaos on June 6 and 7, with clashes erupting between protesters and both LAPD officers and federal agents. Protesters claim these raids are unlawful and inhumane, with many calling for immediate action to protect the rights of immigrants and families affected by the enforcement efforts.
The unrest took a dramatic turn on Sunday, June 8, when thousands of demonstrators flooded the area surrounding City Hall and the federal courthouse. Protesters brought traffic to a standstill by shutting down parts of a major freeway in a bold act of civil disobedience. In response, President Donald Trump deployed California’s National Guard to contain the situation, a move that only intensified the already high-stakes standoff between state and federal authorities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly opposed the federal intervention. In a public statement posted to Instagram, Newsom wrote, “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.” He has formally requested the White House to rescind what he called an “unlawful deployment” of troops in Los Angeles County.
Tensions further escalated when U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a warning: “If violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert.” Newsom quickly fired back, calling the statement “deranged behavior” and accusing the federal government of threatening to turn U.S. military forces against American citizens.
Despite the backdrop of political tension and civil unrest, BET remains focused on celebrating Black culture, excellence, and creativity. The awards ceremony — a staple of summer entertainment — is expected to feature performances from some of the biggest names in music and pay tribute to the community’s resilience and strength in difficult times.
Security around the Peacock Theater is expected to be significantly heightened. Organizers, along with LAPD and local officials, are working around the clock to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees.