Source: Guy D’Alema / Atlanta FX
Kevin Samuels, the controversial media figure known for his searing takes on Black relationships and wealth building, died earlier this year under tragic circumstances. During a tribute section at the BET Awards, Samuels’ name was mentioned among the fallen and Twitter chimed in with their thoughts.
The BET Awards concluded on Sunday (June 26) with a segment of the ceremony focused on celebrities known to the culture that passed away. As mentioned in the reactions, the great Sidney Poitier was among several individuals named so it came as a shock to many that Samuels would find his name among the tribute.
Samuels died on May 5 of this year at the age of 57, sparking a flurry of comments, debate, and the like. With a sharp and often brisk delivery, the self-proclaimed image consultant was viewed as being especially harsh towards women who routinely called into his Instagram Live discussions for advice. Samuels was equally as tough on men during these segments but it would be fair to say that because women called in more, they caught the brunt of his criticism.
Despite it all, Samuels had far more supporters than detractors, including several Black women who say his advice and tough talks actually aided them in their quest for love. That said, Samuels’ passing inspired those who held a quiet grudge to loudly proclaim their disdain for his stances.
On Twitter, many are reacting to seeing Kevin Samuels in the BET Awards tribute segment. We’ve got those reactions below.
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Photo: Atlanta FX
1.
Shoutout to @BET for honoring Kevin Samuels
#BETAwards pic.twitter.com/MjewYzgrNm
— Kevin SamuelsTV (@kevinsamuelstv) June 27, 2022
2.
BET putting Roe v. Wade and Kevin Samuels in an “in memoriam” segment was the idea of someone who is extremely online and needs to touch grass.
— Andrew Hammond (@ahammFreePress) June 27, 2022
3.
BET is lowkey Ight with me for honoring Kevin Samuels cuz they didn’t have to do it.
— Sam. (@SamPogono) June 27, 2022
4.
They made sure to mention Kevin Samuels, tho! https://t.co/e9im7skc2P
— Kristy Yamacoochie (@brownandbella) June 27, 2022
5.
BET awards the only place on earth you’ll see Kevin Samuels in the same video package as Sidney Poitier
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) June 27, 2022
6.
I’m glad they put Kevin samuels in the memoriam so his haters can whine again
#BETAwards
— tae
(@taeoct6) June 27, 2022
7.
Mics not on, teleprompter issues, Ms. Pat annoying ass, white people in attendance and Kevin Samuels apart of the fallen tribute…
Sound the horns and pack this shit up BET. #BETAwards
— Ultra Babe (@ItGirlDanie) June 27, 2022
8.
I'm glad they shouted out Kevin Samuels. #BETAwards
— Torraine Walker (@TorraineWalker) June 27, 2022
9.
Lil nas x wasn’t nominated at the BET awards but Kevin Samuels was honored. Lol
— B(lack) E(vil) T(elevision) (@nottramar) June 27, 2022
10.
Y’all mad they showed love to Kevin Samuels lol weep.
— Lakers and Falcons suck. pray for me (@DeuceGotti__) June 27, 2022
11.
It really blows my mind the hypocrisy in our own culture. People really have a problem with the #BETawards2022 including Kevin Samuels in the memoriam. He was a black man trying to help our people! Y’all act like he was a terrorist or something. Sad.
— J.Clark (@1ClarkWealthy) June 27, 2022
12.
I know good and well they didn’t put Kevin Samuels up there. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/3xKRoq0rE9
— BrandiTheeUnvocalBible (@Prince_Jordan12) June 27, 2022
13.
Fatherless men still praising that kevin samuels dude. You niggas need therapy
— IHateYou (@ImMeFU29) June 27, 2022
Source: Hip-Hop Wired