FOX’s 2016 Teen Choice Awards has invoked outrage from Christina Grimmie’s fanbase after it was alleged they used the late singer as a promotional tool, only to snub her posthumous award from airing. All this happened after an extensive campaign from fans to ensure Grimmie received the Choice Music Web Star.
What was sure to be a cathartic moment for Grimmie’s fans, team and family only resulted in more heartache when the ceremony appeared to not mention the singer even once, let alone make a fitting tribute. A highly questionable move considering organisers reportedly relied heavily on Grimmie’s story and image to promote the event.
The show did air a segment, led by Jessica Alba and featuring teens whose family members were killed by guns, dedicated to ending gun violence.
#StoptheViolence I stand by these brave teens who's lives have been torn apart by gun violence #TCAs2016 pic.twitter.com/7vz0Q1Q0Rx
— Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) August 1, 2016
Fans are venting their rage on social media, decrying the awards for not showing Grimmie the respect she deserved. In the weeks leading up to the event, Grimmie’s former manager Brian Teefey tweeted from Grimmie’s social media pages to rally fans to support her bid for the nomination. The post explains that this is her third nomination for the award in a row.
At this stage, the Awards are yet to explain why a tribute or any mention wasn’t aired.
The 22-year-old former Voice contestant was fatally shot after walking off stage from a performance in the US. The man responsible turned his gun on himself moments later.
@TeenChoiceFOX but you dont care about ALL the people who voted for #ChoiceInternationalArtist or #ChristinaGrimmie pic.twitter.com/RSMQI3IdyS
— allyssa hines (@HinesAllyssa) August 1, 2016
Absolutely disgusted by tonight she didn’t even get a mention I’m SO angry right now #TeenChoiceAwards #ChristinaGrimmie
— Mark \|/ (@lordkramGB) August 1, 2016
I mean… EVEN @NintendoAmerica took the moment to honor her #ChristinaGrimmie
— .:L (@CinnamonRollCat) August 1, 2016
so we going to talk about how you guys didn’t mention Christina Grimmie but were quick to use her for promo #TeenChoiceAwards @TeenChoiceFOX
— cursed nala (@aphroditesari) August 1, 2016