Jessica Alba & Ne-Yo Called for an End to Gun Violence at Teen Choice Awards

The Teen Choice Awards took a break from its typical pumped-up performances and handing out surfboards to bring attention to an issue that affects far too many teens: gun violence. 

Jessica Alba and Ne-Yo were joined onstage last night by teens whose family members have been victims of recent acs of gun violence. Included were the children, siblings, and relatives of the tragedies that took place in Newtown, San Bernardino, Dallas, and Orlando. Alton Sterling’s 15-year-old son, Cameron Sterling, was among the teens. 

Each family member was introduced onstage, as Jessica Alba spoke about the lives affected by gun violence, urging the audience to take a stand. 

“Tonight we stand together with these teens, united in our call for peace and an end to this violence,” Alba said. “Now, more than ever, we need to stop, feel and ask, ‘What’s going on?’”

The audience cheered for Alba, and some, including Jane the Virgin’s Gina Rodriguez, could not hold back tears. 

Ne-Yo also performed a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” as images of the teens’ family members appeared on a screen behind him. 

“These teens had the courage to come here and share their grief and tonight all of us here need to do the same,” Alba said following the performance.

Ne-Yo continued, “We need to come together as one. We have to do better.”

Alba and Ne-Yo then urged audience members at the venue, and watching from home, to share the hashtag, #StopTheViolence. 

this is such a beautiful tribute and it holds such a powerful message #TeenChoice#StopTheViolencepic.twitter.com/8rDgP8v0cT

— antonio del otero (@antoniodelotero) August 1, 2016

#StoptheViolence I stand by these brave teens who's lives have been torn apart by gun violence #TCAs2016pic.twitter.com/7vz0Q1Q0Rx

— Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) August 1, 2016