The 2025 BET Awards, held on Monday, June 9, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marked the ceremony’s 25th anniversary with a night of celebration, nostalgia, and unexpected drama. Aired live at 8 PM ET/PT on BET, the event showcased a dazzling array of performances and honors, with icons like Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin receiving the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, two moments stole the spotlight: Eminem’s emotional onstage appearance cradling his grandson, following a heartfelt tribute to Snoop Dogg, and Mariah Carey’s shocking exit that left audiences reeling. As the clock struck 01:18 PM +07 on Friday, June 13, 2025, the buzz around these incidents continues to dominate headlines, offering a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of this cultural milestone.

The Night’s Highlights: A Blend of Legacy and Surprise

The 2025 BET Awards kicked off with a bang, hosted by the irrepressible Kevin Hart, who set the tone with his signature humor. The night paid tribute to the network’s history with a nostalgic 106 & Park reunion, featuring performances from Bow Wow, Ashanti, T.I., and others, blending old-school vibes with modern flair. Kendrick Lamar led nominations with 10 nods, ultimately winning five awards, including Album of the Year for GNX, cementing his dominance. Performances by Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, and Playboi Carti added to the electric atmosphere, while Ultimate Icon honorees delivered career-defining moments.

Snoop Dogg’s tribute was a standout, earning him his Ultimate Icon Award. Presented by Dr. Dre, Snoop took the stage with his wife, Shante Taylor, delivering an 8-minute medley of hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “The Next Episode,” joined by Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt. His acceptance speech emphasized legacy over fame, resonating deeply with the audience. The performance was a high point, setting the stage for an evening of emotional highs—until Eminem’s unexpected appearance shifted the narrative.

Eminem’s Emotional Moment: A Grandfather’s Love

Midway through the broadcast, as the crowd still buzzed from Snoop’s set, Eminem took the stage in a moment that defied expectations. The Detroit rapper, known for his reclusive nature, appeared cradling his grandson, Haleem, the son of his daughter Hailie Jade Scott and her husband, Evan McClintock. The 52-year-old artist, dressed in a casual hoodie and jeans, held the toddler gently as he addressed the audience, his voice breaking with emotion.

“I’ve spent my life spitting bars, but this little guy’s taught me what real strength is,” Eminem said, his gaze fixed on Haleem. The appearance followed a tribute segment honoring Snoop Dogg’s influence, where Eminem had contributed a pre-recorded message praising their shared hip-hop roots. His decision to bring Haleem onstage, however, was spontaneous, prompted by the child’s insistence on joining his grandfather. The crowd erupted in cheers, with many fans moved by the rare glimpse of Eminem’s softer side.

Social media exploded with reactions, with users on X posting sentiments like, “Eminem with his grandson? My heart can’t take this!” and “From ‘Lose Yourself’ to this—legend status redefined.” The moment was a stark contrast to Eminem’s typically guarded persona, highlighting a personal milestone amid the professional accolades. Haleem, born in 2024, has rarely been seen publicly, making the appearance a significant departure from Eminem’s norm.

The Chaos Unfolds: Mariah Carey’s Shocking Exit

Just as the audience settled into the warmth of Eminem’s moment, chaos erupted with Mariah Carey’s arrival. The night’s second Ultimate Icon honoree, Carey had earlier dazzled with a performance of her new single “Type Dangerous,” joined by DJ D-Nice and a surprise cameo from Rakim. Her acceptance speech, delivered by Busta Rhymes, was a gracious nod to her career, marking her first BET Award with the quip, “If you’re gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon Award.”

However, the evening took an unthinkable turn when Carey, mid-performance of “It’s Like That,” abruptly walked offstage. Dressed in a shimmering gold minidress and teetering on sky-high Louboutins, she paused, muttered something inaudible to the microphone, and exited, leaving the band and dancers in stunned silence. Rumors swirled immediately—some speculated technical difficulties, others pointed to an offstage incident. A source later revealed to this outlet that Carey had been upset by a perceived slight during the 106 & Park tribute, where her early videos were briefly overshadowed by newer acts.

The walkout sparked a frenzy. Kevin Hart attempted to salvage the moment with humor, joking, “Looks like Mariah’s taking her diva status to the next level!” but the damage was done. Fans on X were divided, with posts ranging from “Mariah storming off is the most iconic thing I’ve ever seen” to “What happened? This is embarrassing.” The incident overshadowed her earlier triumph, turning a night of celebration into one of speculation.

Behind the Scenes: What Really Happened?

Investigations into Carey’s exit suggest a combination of factors. The 55-year-old singer, known for her meticulous control over performances, may have been rattled by the live broadcast’s unpredictability. The 106 & Park tribute, while a hit with younger viewers, included a montage that briefly cut away from her early hits to spotlight newer artists, potentially fueling her frustration. Additionally, reports of a backstage disagreement with producers over set design added to the tension. Carey’s team has yet to comment officially, but her history of dramatic exits—such as the 2000 TRL incident—lends credence to the narrative of a diva moment gone awry.

Eminem’s appearance, by contrast, was a planned highlight that spiraled into an impromptu family showcase. Sources indicate he intended to present an award but brought Haleem along after the toddler refused to stay backstage. The move, while heartwarming, disrupted the show’s flow, contributing to the night’s chaotic energy. The juxtaposition of these events—Eminem’s vulnerability and Carey’s volatility—created a surreal atmosphere, amplified by the ongoing Los Angeles protests outside, where immigration raids and National Guard deployment added a layer of real-world urgency.

Cultural Impact and Fan Reactions

The 2025 BET Awards will be remembered for its blend of triumph and turmoil. Eminem’s moment humanized a rap icon, resonating with fans who’ve followed his journey from 8 Mile to fatherhood. Carey’s walkout, while controversial, reinforced her larger-than-life persona, sparking debates about her legacy versus her reputation. The incident drew comparisons to her 2016 New Year’s Eve performance debacle, with some questioning her ability to adapt to live settings.

On X, the hashtag #BET2025Chaos trended for hours, with users dissecting every frame. “Eminem cradling his grandson after Snoop’s tribute was pure gold—Mariah’s exit was the plot twist we didn’t need,” one post read. Others praised the night’s authenticity, noting, “This is what makes BET real—unscripted, raw, and unforgettable.” The chaos even overshadowed Kendrick Lamar’s wins, shifting focus to the human stories behind the awards.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

As of June 13, 2025, the fallout continues. BET has promised a statement addressing Carey’s exit, while Eminem’s team has shared a photo of him and Haleem, captioned simply, “Family first.” The network’s 25th anniversary celebration, intended to honor Black excellence, instead became a study in celebrity unpredictability, mirroring the cultural unrest outside its doors. Doechii’s earlier speech on the immigration protests added a sobering note, linking the stage’s drama to broader societal issues.

For Carey, the walkout could impact her upcoming album rollout, already delayed by her focus on family and business ventures. Eminem’s moment, however, may inspire a new wave of personal storytelling in his music, potentially bridging his past intensity with a newfound tenderness. The BET Awards, with its mix of icons and anarchy, has set a high bar for future ceremonies, proving that even in chaos, the culture finds a way to shine.

This night of highs and lows encapsulates the unpredictable spirit of the BET Awards, where legacy meets the unexpected. As fans await further details, one thing is clear: the 2025 edition will be talked about for years, not just for its awards, but for the unforgettable moments that defied the script.