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Hollywood icons Regina King and Angela Bassett recently sparked reactions after sharing a beautiful moment at the Academy of Picture Arts and Sciences’ 14th Annual Governor’s Awards. The event took place on Tuesday at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles and handed out several honorary Oscars to some of Hollywood’s most deserving stars. Bassett wasn’t left out of the honor, as she took to the stage to receive her award from King. Upon collecting the trophy from her colleague, Bassett shared a kiss with King. As expected, the King and Bassett kiss quickly went viral, sparking a debate online.
Regina King and Angela Bassett Spark Controversy After Sharing a Kiss
On Tuesday, Bassett looked all shades of gorgeous while receiving her honorary Oscar at the Governor’s Awards for her contributions to the movie industry. The 65-year-old dazzled in a beaded Dolce & Gabbana nude tulle dress. Bassett’s mermaid silhouette was encrusted with crystals from her neck to the dress’s hem, while her yellow tulle mermaid skirt included rolls of jewels. At her waist, the 65-year-old rocked a bejeweled belt accompanied by a cluster of crystals. Bassett accessorized with crystal earrings and a diamond ring.
She sported voluminous curls cut into a bob with a deep side part. Indeed, Bassett’s appearance was enough reason for fans to have their eyes glued to the actress while she received her award. She was presented the honor by Kings, and before stepping up to the microphone for her acceptance speech, Regina King and Angela Bassett shared a kiss on the lips. Afterward, the two women exchanged giddy laughter and smiles as they hugged onstage. The Harder They Fall actress then stepped aside and continued smiling in support as Bassett addressed the audience. Overall, it was a memorable night for the icon, especially as her husband and kids were present to cheer her on.
Fans Share Different Opinions About King and Bassett’s Kiss
The King and Bassett kiss may have been harmless, but it stirred a debate among fans. On one hand, some fans criticized the gesture and even accused the icons of being an item.
“This ain’t the first time & sure ain’t the last…you can tell lol,” a fan wrote.
Another fan commented:
“Ugh this agenda they be trying to push on us.”
A third fan felt Bassett had to kiss another woman to finally win an Oscar, writing:
“She had to do this just to get the recognition she deserves smh.”
On the other hand, many fans noted the kiss was harmless and a common gesture among Black women.
“Black women naturally do this to they sisters, moms, they loved ones,” a fan noted.
Another fan shared:
“I’m shocked people focused on this kiss as anything more than sisterhood.”
A third person commented:
“This just a proud black sister kiss, I wish I had a older sister to look up to and inspire.”
A fourth fan shared:
“Y’all sexualize everything😂😂😂 I kiss some of my friends on the lips all the time…relax.”
Some fans also speculated that the kiss was the criteria for the beautiful Bassett to finally bag an Oscar. For other fans, a hug would have been better as it would have spared Bassett of controversy and allowed her to receive the recognition she deserved without controversy.