Janet Jackson at BBMAs: “Women have made it clear we will no longer be controlled, manipulated, or abused”

Janet Jackson accepted the 2018 Icon Award after an incredible performance. It was her first televised performance in nine years. She took a moment to thank the people in her life, but she also used her award to speak on the growing movement of women in the arts and further who have spoken out against their abusers.

"I'm deeply humbled and grateful for this award," said Jackson. She also took a moment to speak on the ever-changing landscape when it comes to gender equality. "Women have made it clear we will no longer be controlled, manipulated, or abused"

"Everything we lack, God has in abundance," Jackson continued, taking a moment to focus in on the role God has in her life. "I want to thank all of you for this honor, and I thank God for giving me the precious energy to let me live my life as an artist."

Read her full speech below.

I am deeply humbled and grateful for this award. I believe that for all of the challenges, for all our challenges, we live in a glorious moment in history. It's a moment at long last, women have made clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated or abused. I stand with those women and those men equally outraged by discrimination who support us in heart and in mind. This is also a moment when our public discourse is loud and harsh. My prayer is that, weary of such noise, we turn back to the source the source of all calmness –– that source is God. Everything we lack, God has in abundance: Compassion, sensitivity, patience, and a boundless love. So again, I want to thank you all for this honor. And I want to thank God for giving me this precious energy that lets me live my life as an artist, who every single day seeks to expand my capacity to love. Thank you so much.