Janet Jackson’s #MeToo speech at the MTV EMAs was the most powerful performance
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- Susan Devaney
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While scooping the Global Icon award at this year’s MTV EMAs, Janet Jackson spoke out for women everywhere.
Over the past few months, Janet Jackson has used award ceremonies as an opportunity to voice her stance on the #MeToo movement.
At the Billboard Music Awards in May, she was awarded the Icon Prize (the first black woman to do so), and offered her unwavering support to #MeToo survivors while making her acceptance speech.
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful for this award,” she said at the time. “I believe for all our challenges, we live at a glorious moment history.”
Jackson then went onto to make it very clear that the #MeToo movement is a positive development for everyone.
“It’s a moment when, at long last, women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated or abused,” she said.
“I stand with those women and with those men equally outraged who support us in heart and mind.”
It should come as little surprise to learn, then, that Jackson – who’s still the only artist to have 18 consecutive Top 10 hits on the Hot 100 – delivered another powerful speech while scooping the Global Icon award at this year’s MTV EMAs on Sunday 4 November.
“I feel moved to speak for women’s voices who have been stifled,” she said. “I am one of those women, women who have been gagged, both literally and emotionally, women who have been abused, women who have been intimidated, women who have lived in fear.”
“I stand with you. You are my sisters,” she added. She then continued by adding that she hopes “a new world is emerging” in which gender inequality will no longer be tolerated.
“Women, our voices will be heard, we will be heard. When we speak out for justice,” she said. “Speak out for the spirit speak out for spirit that crosses all borders, recognises the dignity of all people and affirms the beauty of all faiths.”
Jackson continued: “Speak out for acts of true charity, small and large, speak out for an all-embracing love because its love that will heal our wounds, to come to one another’s aid, so let’s lift our voices, let’s start today and let the ever amazing love of God lead the way.”
Images: Getty