Rumor Control: There Was NO Gunfire At BET Hip Hop Awards, Debra Lee Responds

We and a number of media outlets stand corrected. Over the weekend, a number of reports circulated that gunfire had erupted in Atlanta, at the BET Hip Hop Awards show. Although there was a brawl or two (one involving Rick Ross–peep the footage; the other involving rapper Gunplay), BET reports that there was absolutely no gunfire, outside of the awards show. Internally, Debra Lee released a statement to the BET staff:

To the BET Family: As you all know, the BET HIP HOP AWARDS 2012 taped in Atlanta, GA over the weekend. And while the show had many fantastic moments, including the much awaited cyphers and an extremely powerful tribute to Chris Lighty, the event was marred by a few incidents where talent and members of their entourages acted completely inappropriately.

I know how hard we all work to bring the best in Hip Hop to Atlanta every year, and I was disappointed to see any violence at all take place – especially in our house. We don’t condone violence, and it is not tolerated at any of our events or shows.

On a positive note, the Atlanta police department and our internal security team responded quickly and appropriately. Additionally, no BET Network employees were involved or injured. I would also like to clarify that there were no shots were fired, regardless of reports to the contrary.

Meanwhile,  “THE BET HIP HOP AWARDS” Premieres October 9, 2012 at 8:00 P.M.