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If one single moment sums up last night’s 2017 VMAs, it was this. Robert Lee IV, a pastor and a descendent of Civil War general Robert E. Lee — whose statue was at the center of the violence in Charlottesville earlier this month — introduced himself to the audience and said, “We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism and hate. As a pastor, it is my responsibility to speak out against racism, America’s original sin.” He then introduced Susan Bro, mother of Heather Heyer, the woman killed when a suspected neo-Nazi drove his car into a crowd of anti-racist demonstrators in Charlottesville.

“Only 15 days ago my daughter Heather was killed protesting racism,” she said. “I miss her but I know she’s here tonight.” She then announced the Heather Heyer Foundation, which will help provide scholarships to students interested in pursuing law, education and social justice issues. “I have committed myself to making her death count.”

As Lee and Bro walked slowly toward the back of the stage, the camera moved to Hailey Baldwin — wearing a mesh bodysuit that highlighted her black panties — who introduced the next performance, from Rod Stewart and DNCE. As Bro, visible in the background, received a deep and heartfelt embrace from Kesha, Baldwin flashed devil horns and gushed, “We’re headed to Vegas to ask just one question: ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’!”

by Brendan Lemon | 8/28/17 | Leave a comment |