The 2020 Brit Awards took place at The O2 in London last night and turned political as rapper Dave called the Prime Minister ‘racist’.
Lewis Capaldi was the biggest winner of the night, while Mabel, Stormzy, Foals, Billie Eilish, Tyler, The Creator and Celeste also picked up awards. London rapper Dave won album of the year for his album ‘Psychodrama’, but his performance of the single ‘Black’ has been stealing the headlines.
When performing the single, the rapper added a new verse in which he said:
“The truth is our prime minister is a real racist”.
Downing Street has refused to comment on the statement, but Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News that it was ‘utter nonsense’;
“Well, that’s utter nonsense, it really is.. I mean I don’t know what those comments are based on. It’s wrong to make judgments about individuals when you don’t know a particular individual. He’s not a racist at all and I just think those comments are highly inappropriate.”
Dave also attacked tabloid coverage of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who recently announced with Prince Harry that they were stepping back from royal duties. He also paid tribute to Jack Merritt, who was a victim in the London Bridge terror attack in November 2019.
Meanwhile, Tyler, The Creator made a political statement by referencing how he had been previously banned from entering the UK over some of his lyrics. He said,
“A special thank you to someone who made it impossible for me to come to this country five years ago”.
“I know she’s at home [peed] off – thank you Theresa May.”
The statement came as the artist picked up the award for best international male. It is not the first time such an event has been made political. At the 2018 Brit Awards, Stormzy called out Theresa May for her perceived inaction following the Grenfell Tower fire.
References were also made to the lack of female nominees at the awards ceremony. Both group Foals and Paloma Faith said that they hoped next year’s ceremony would have better representation for women. The host of the awards, Jack Whitehall, also acknowledged the concerns, saying;
“Environmental issues have been a big theme of awards show this year. And in the spirit of sustainability the Brits has been recycling all the same excuses for why so few women were nominated.”
Jack Whitehall was also one of the attendees who paid tribute to the former Love Island presenter who died on Saturday. Speaking during the show, Mr Whitehall said:
“She was a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun”.
“I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family.”
Photo Credit: Peter McDermott / O2 Arena /
