According to a report by ABC News, one person was killed while four others were injured right before the 2014 BET Awards kicked off in Los Angeles, casting a shadow over the event.
The incident has been considered an embarrassment to the company which has been often criticized for promoting violent music at the expense of the black community.
During an unofficial overnight party held early Sunday in East Hollywood to promote the show, there was a gunman, who the police say is still at large after the incident.
Officer Drake Madison of the Los Angeles Police Department says that the shooting took place at 5:17 am.
The shooter fired several rounds at party-goers and three victims were taken to the hospital. One person died on the way.
The shootings took place at Monalizza, a restaurant and banquet hall. According to Madison, the event “was like an after-party even though the awards are tonight.”
BET has also released a statement concerning the shooting.
“The network and all organizers will continue to maintain a safe environment for all planned activities,” the company said.
There are many who’ve criticized the BET Awards and the network for glamorizing the popularity of black-on-black crime by promoting artists like Lil Wayne, who’ve become wealthy rapping about death in the black community.
But until yesterday, the violence has typically stayed in poor urban neighborhoods. This is the first time that violence of this scale has seeped into the higher echelons of entertainment.
The BET Awards show is an annual event that honors black artists and other minorities in music, film, television, sports and entertainment.