Donald Glover criticizes BET Awards over lack of recognition compared to Sam Smith

Donald Glover, known professionally as Childish Gambino, publicly criticized the BET Awards for awarding him the same number of accolades as white musician Sam Smith. The comments were made during the BET Awards ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30, where Glover presented the Album of the Year award to rapper Killer Mike.

The BET Awards, established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network, celebrate Black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports, and philanthropy. Glover, 40, expressed his frustration, stating he was "really excited" to be at the event but felt the need to "get some things off [his] chest."

“This isn’t personal but I just feel like I should have more BET awards,” Glover began. “I’m serious. It’s the Black Entertainment Television Awards. How much more entertaining do I have to do? Because it’s just the math of the fact.”

Glover highlighted the disparity by comparing his wins to those of Will Smith and Sam Smith. He noted, “It doesn’t really make sense. I have more Grammys than Will Smith, which makes no sense, but I have the same amount of BET awards as Sam Smith.”

Glover, who has won five Grammy awards, observed that he and Sam Smith each have only one BET Award. Glover won Best Music Video in 2019 for “This is America,” while Sam Smith won the 2015 Award for Best New Artist. “Does that make sense to you guys? Me and Sam Smith are neck and neck at the Black Entertainment Television [Awards],” he said, emphasizing the word “Black.”

Additionally, Glover lost out to Denzel Washington for Best Actor at the ceremony. Following his remarks, fans voiced their support, with one stating, "This man is royalty. And deserves more respect."

The event also featured a tribute to Usher, who received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. Glover joined artists including Keke Palmer, Chloe Bailey, and Teyana Taylor in honoring Usher.

Rapper Killer Mike, who faced arrest at the Grammys earlier this year, expressed his gratitude upon receiving his award. “Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” he said. “I was put in handcuffs and I was marched out of this building. But I wanna tell you, look at God because I’m back, baby. I’m back.”