Keith Lee Clears the Air After Taraji P. Henson Mix-Up at BET Awards

TikTok sensation and food reviewer Keith Lee has addressed the backlash following his deleted video about the mix-up with Taraji P. Henson at the 2024 BET Awards, where she mistakenly confused him with another influencer, Jordan Howlett.

The 2024 BET Awards had several viral moments, one of which involved actress Taraji P. Henson confusing TikTokers Keith Lee and Jordan Howlett. The incident led to an awkward moment that quickly went viral, with Henson apologizing to Lee and moving on. This sparked a significant social media buzz over the weekend.

Taraji P Henson mistakes Jordan Howlett and Keith Lee

this is so bad #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/uVqEW9dLHH

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) July 1, 2024

Keith Lee added fuel to the fire when he posted, then deleted, a video showing himself dropping a rose on the floor at the awards ceremony, with a caption that read: “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.” The dramatic gesture did not sit well with many viewers, who criticized Lee for overreacting. Comments like, “She apologized and meant no harm, I’m sure,” and “She mixed up the two men sitting there. It’s monologue. Banter. Nobody wants him. Y’all are outrageous,” reflected the general sentiment.

In response to the backlash, Keith Lee posted another TikTok video

on July 1, clarifying his feelings about the incident. He expressed that he was “not upset” with Henson for the mix-up. “In my opinion, she smoked it last night,” Lee said. “I don’t think for one second Taraji had any ill-will or any ill intentions behind the situation. The situation happened the way it did. It is what it is.”

Keith Lee was over Taraji P Henson mixing up names & looking ridiculous. This is what happens when you don’t hire Monique a real comedian who successfully hosted that event twice with actual memorable talented moments. #KeithLee #TarajiPHenson #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/g5A1OtaBXA

— Chris (@RealDealChris) July 1, 2024

Lee explained that his gesture of dropping the rose had nothing to do with Henson personally. “The reason I dropped [the rose] on the floor is that I wholeheartedly believe that wasn’t my rose. That wasn’t my moment. It was given to me, but it wasn’t mine, and I always say, I don’t want nothing that ain’t mine. I want what’s meant for me — nothing less, nothing more,” he elaborated.

Lee also criticized the production of the show, claiming it was “extremely rushed,” which led to the mix-up between him and Howlett. “To take me and my wife out of our seats, put us in different seats, give Taraji no direction as to who we are or what we do felt extremely unprepared and unprofessional to me,” he added. He clarified that neither he nor his wife had an issue with Henson’s ‘flirting’ as they were aware it was part of the show’s bit.

Jordan Howlett has yet to publicly address the incident, but Lee’s fans have shown their support in the comments following his clarifying video.

@keith_lee125 💕 Keith Speaks 💕 God Is Amazing 🙏🏽 #foodcritic 💕@Ronni Lee @Taraji P. Henson @BET Networks ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

Despite the awkward moment, Lee expressed his appreciation for Henson. “I’m personally a fan of Taraji, I’ve been for years, and I always will be. I love to see her get the recognition that she deserves,” he shared.

Before the awards show, Lee spoke about attending the event with his wife, expressing his gratitude and amazement. “It’s amazing. I’m blessed to be here. We look amazing. My wife looks amazing. God is amazing. I’m just here. I’m thankful. We’re everywhere we’re supposed to be at all times,” he said. Lee reflected on how far he’s come, saying, “I always knew that I would be somebody, I always knew that God destined something for me special. I just never knew what path it was going to take me, and I’m here for every path that he puts me on.”

Lee’s response and clarification have helped to clear up the misunderstanding, reaffirming his admiration for Henson while addressing the critiques head-on.

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