Taraji P. Henson responds to Keith Lee's reaction to BET Awards mix-up

Actress Taraji P. Henson addressed a mix-up at the 2024 BET Awards where she mistakenly confused influencer Jordan Howlett with food critic Keith Lee. During a segment intended to celebrate notable individuals, Henson spoke to Howlett, believing he was Lee. This led to an awkward moment where Howlett pointed to Lee, prompting Henson to apologize, saying she “got caught up in her own inner monologue.” Lee accepted the flower Henson gave him, but later posted a now-deleted TikTok showing himself dropping it on the floor.

Lee captioned the video, “Our name will be known in every room it’s supposed to be, when it’s supposed to be, how it’s supposed, with no confusion. God is amazing.” In a follow-up video, he clarified, “I am not upset at Taraji P. Henson by any stretch of the imagination. And not only that, in my opinion, she smoked it last night.” He explained that he believed the rose was not meant for him and emphasized his gratitude for being part of the event. “I always say, I don’t want nothing that wasn’t mine. I am forever thankful for every room that I’m in.”

Lee attributed the awkward moment to the show’s producers rather than Henson. Responding to Lee's video, Henson commented on Instagram, “Life really is too short for this behavior. He wasn’t in his seat. They give celebrity assigned seats! I rehearsed all damn day to go hit my mark and that young man wasn’t in his seat so HE MISSED HIS MOMENT! His ego is hurt. He will be fine. I cleaned it up at the end of the show. No love lost here. #GODBLESS.”