During the highly anticipated BET Awards 2025, held on June 9 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, Kevin Hart ignited the ceremony with a fearless and memorable performance as host, delivering comedic jabs at Kanye West, Diddy, and Cardi B that created some of the night’s most talked-about moments. Kevin Hart’s BET Awards 2025 opening monologue highlights included sharp wit and cutting observations, immediately seizing the audience’s attention and setting a tone that blended humor with underlying social commentary.
Kevin Hart Steals the Spotlight at the 2025 BET Awards
The 25th anniversary of the BET Awards was more than a traditional celebration—it served as a vibrant tribute to outstanding achievements across music, performance, and Black cultural influence. Taking place in Los Angeles’ famed Peacock Theater, the event drew a star-studded crowd together with electrifying musical acts and heartfelt tributes. Yet, it was Kevin Hart’s command of the stage that stood out. Known for his quick-paced storytelling and bold humor, Hart merged his trademark high-energy style with commentary on contemporary controversies, offering both laughter and a reflection of ongoing debates in entertainment and culture.
The BET Awards holds annual significance by not only recognizing pioneering talent in music, sports, and entertainment but also shining a light on issues of racial justice, cultural pride, and empowerment in Black communities. This year, the stakes were higher with the milestone 25th edition, and all eyes were on Hart as he took on the role of host for the prestigious event.
Confronting Kanye West’s Antics With Humor
Kevin Hart wasted no time mining current events and personality clashes for comedy, turning his opening monologue into a satirical commentary on some of the year’s biggest celebrity headlines. When it came to Kanye West, Hart incorporated references to Kanye’s frequent controversies and public disputes—recently including his eventful appearances at the Grammys and ongoing feuds with fellow artists.
During his monologue, Hart feigned checking his phone and delivered a joke about Kanye waiting outside the venue, suggesting the artist was looking for an invitation to enter:
“Ah sh*t, it’s Kanye… He says he’s out front. He’s waiting for somebody to invite him in.”
—Kevin Hart, Host
He followed up with a reference to the fictional vampire movie “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, poking fun at the notion of Kanye being a disruptive presence at such events:
“Hey, don’t do it, okay? We all saw the movie Sinners, don’t let his a*s in here so he can bite somebody, so he can bite Playboi Carti again.”
—Kevin Hart, Host
Hart took the joke even further, implicating Playboi Carti in hilarious fashion:
“Playboi Carti definitely been bit, something happened. Playboi Carti’s been bit, I know he has.. Nobody let Kanye in! No, not tonight.”
—Kevin Hart, Host
Through these quips, Hart referenced Kanye West’s exclusion from Playboi Carti’s latest album “Music,” despite Kanye’s own production credits, as well as a notorious Grammys incident where Kanye and his wife Bianca Censori had to struggle just to get red-carpet access rather than full entry. These jokes not only entertained but subtly alluded to the larger narrative arcs of Kanye’s unpredictable behavior, ongoing public scrutiny, and his fraught relationships with peers and industry insiders.
Poking Fun at Diddy’s Controversies
Never one to avoid current affairs or the elephant in the room, Kevin Hart also used his hosting platform to address the cloud of allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs. Hart cleverly linked his shutting down of after-parties to Diddy’s ongoing legal woes, referencing the rapper’s infamous parties and the various scandals now at the center of a federal trial involving accusations of racketeering and s*x trafficking.
“I’m gonna do my part. I’m shutting down the idea of after parties, no after parties tonight, OK? Take your a*ses home after this…No after parties. That’s where sh*t gets slippery at them goddamn after parties.”
—Kevin Hart, Host
With this statement, Hart touched on the notorious atmosphere of Diddy’s luxurious, often headline-grabbing gatherings, many of which have become associated with allegations of inappropriate behavior and excess. The term “slippery” drew a direct line to sensational trial testimony describing oily s*x-party motifs, causing a mix of discomfort and laughter throughout the audience. Hart continued his commentary with understated bite, noting:
“We’re learning a lot about people, ain’t we?”
—Kevin Hart, Host
The implication of this remark was not lost on viewers or those in attendance, as it sharply referenced the ongoing revelations making their way through courtrooms and the public sphere. By invoking the seriousness of the allegations without directly detailing them, Hart balanced the act of roasting celebrities with the responsibility of not trivializing deeply personal and legal matters.
Cardi B and the Yacht Party Joke
Casting a wide net with his roasts, Kevin Hart also zeroed in on Cardi B, who had recently made headlines due to a viral video showcasing a Memorial Day yacht party in Miami with NFL star Stefon Diggs. The footage stirred speculation after internet users noticed an unidentified pink, crystalline-looking substance, even as Cardi B’s camp denied any ill intent or illegal behavior.
In his monologue, Hart cleverly played off these rumors while also poking fun at celebrity excess and the sometimes outrageous lengths partygoers might go to avoid scandal. He joked about attendees using self-driving cars to avoid situations like bribery or controversial substances:
“No yachts, no boats. Cardi B, no pink stuff, what the f*ck? None of that stuff. Everybody’s gonna get hit tonight. We’re live. It’s gonna be a good time.”
—Kevin Hart, Host
This line generated a huge response from the crowd, underscoring Hart’s talent for tackling topical controversies with a mix of directness and irony. The joke was not only a nod to Cardi B’s recent social media headlines but also commented on the broader culture of spectacle surrounding celebrities and social media drama.
Why Kevin Hart’s Monologue Struck a Chord
Kevin Hart’s ability to blend satire, social commentary, and sharp personal roasts set the tone for the 25th BET Awards, ensuring that both guests and viewers experienced a show filled with both entertainment and moments of reflection. His willingness to target high-profile figures like Kanye West, Diddy, and Cardi B—while integrating references to ongoing legal battles, viral controversies, and celebrity status—demonstrated a daring comedic approach designed to generate conversation far beyond the confines of the ceremony itself.
By referencing significant figures including Kanye West, Diddy, Cardi B, and Playboi Carti, and alluding to the influential work of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, Hart wove together the names and stories shaping contemporary music and culture. His energetic approach, marked by provocative but clever humor, effectively captured the essence of the awards show while ensuring audiences remained engaged until the night’s end.
As audiences continue to dissect Kevin Hart’s performance online, many look forward to what the comedian-actor might tackle next, and whether this new blend of real-life scandals and quick-witted jabs will become the norm for future awards hosts. This year’s ceremony—at once comedic and controversial—will no doubt be remembered for how deftly Hart drew laughter from the turbulence behind the headlines.
