The most moving part of the 2016 Teen Choice Awards tonight was the tribute to victims of gun violence, but that didn’t mean it didn’t go on without its share of critics.
More:Justin Timberlake’s TCAs speech was exactly what millennials needed to hear
Jessica Alba led the tribute and was joined onstage by relatives and friends of gun-violence victims, including Alton Sterling’s son, victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub massacre, and teen family members from tragedies like Newtown, Aurora and Dallas, as reported by People.
But one victim was not represented – Christina Grimmie – and viewers definitely took notice.
Grimmie, who made a name for herself on NBC’s The Voice, was shot and killed during an Orlando concert back in January. She was killed by a deranged fan.
Fans weren’t the only ones to notice and express their disappointment on Twitter. According to a source close to Grimmie’s family, the family was also upset that she was left out.
“It seems they could have paid honor or tribute to her in some way and that opportunity was missed,” the insider said to Entertainment Tonight, relaying the thoughts of Grimmie’s family. “The fans have a right to be upset.”
Maybe, since the producers of the show knew that Grimmie was nominated, they didn’t feel the need to mention her twice. She did end up winning her first Teen Choice Award tonight, months after her tragic death. She was awarded the title of 2016’s Choice Web Star. But a tribute to victims of gun violence definitely felt lacking when one of the most notable cases of the year for the entertainment industry was left off the list, especially as some of the tweeters above said, her name was used in conjunction with promotion for the show.
And while I agree that Grimmie should have been mentioned at the very least, I do think that the message behind the tribute still stands strong despite the fact that she was unfairly left out.
“Tonight we stand together with these teens, united in our call for peace and an end to this violence,” Alba said in her speech. “Now, more than ever, we need to stop, feel and ask what’s going on.”
More:Ludacris hosting the 2015 Teen Choice Awards has teens as confused as we are
Teen Choice Awards representatives have yet to comment on the controversy surrounding their use of Grimmie’s name for promotional purposes in the show.
Do you think Christina Grimmie deserved an honorable mention during the TCA’s tribute to gun violence victims?
Before you go, check out our slideshow below.
Leave a Comment