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MTV VMAs 2020: The Weeknd dubbed 'King' as he seeks justice for Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor after Best R&B win

The Weeknd concluded his speech by saying 'It’s really hard for me to celebrate right now. I’m just going to say: Justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breonna Taylor'

The much-awaited musical event of the year, MTV Music Awards, is being held in New York City today, August 30. Although it was originally planned to take place at Barclays Center, for the first time in 13 years, the ceremony is being conducted with "limited or no audience" from various locations in New York City due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event is hosted by Keke Palmer and is expected to be presented by Nicole Richie, Machine Gun Kelly, Joey King and a few more. 

Lady Gaga and Ariana are in the lead with an impressive nine nominations each, followed by The Weeknd and Billie Eilish, having nabbed six nominations each under different categories. Like every year, this year’s nominations for 'Best R&B' consisted of an interesting list of celebrities including Chloe x Halle for 'Do It,' H.E.R. featuring YG for ‘Slide’, Alicia Keys for ‘Underdog’, Khalid featuring Summer Walker for ‘Eleven’, Lizzo for ‘Cuz I Love You’ and The Weeknd for 'Blinding Lights'. 

While fans waited with bated breath to see which of the above artistes would be taking home the Best R&B award, one of the most memorable moments was created when it was presented to The Weeknd for 'Blinding Lights'. What made the award more special was the speech delivered by the singer after accepting it. 

After thanking MTV and the VMAs for the award along with those who helped him create the music video, The Weeknd concluded his speech by saying "It’s really hard for me to celebrate right now. I’m just going to say: Justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breonna Taylor." Not only were his words moving, but many couldn't stop raving about the singer using the platform to address the prevailing social issue and the need to bring justice to innocent lives.

One fan wrote, "@theweeknd won best R&B VMA and instead of doing a speech about his accomplishments he simply said Justice for Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor. What a king."

Another added, "blinding lights winning best r&b and the weeknd’s speech so much fucking respect for that man" 

Adding to the previous tweets one Twitter user noted, "The Weeknd won Best R&B award 4 Blinding Light. He said it's hard 2 accepted right now Justice 4 Jacob Blake&Breonna Taylor. Yes that's right! AMEN.  #VMAs2020 #VMAs."