Almost five years after being forced to cancel his UK tour dates, Tyler, The Creator won the award for Best International Male at the 2020 BRIT Awards on Tuesday. During his speech, Tyler proved he has a long memory by taking a shot at former UK prime minister Theresa May.
“I want to give a special shout-out to someone who I hold dear to my heart, who made it where I couldn’t come to this country five years ago,” he said. “I know she’s at home pissed off. Thank you Theresa May.”
In 2015, the rapper was banned for three to five years by May, who was home secretary at the time, for the abrasive lyrics in his music. “Coming to the UK is a privilege, and we expect those who come here to respect our shared values," the Home Office said at the time.
According to Tyler's manager, Christian Clancy, a letter from the Home Office alleged that Tyler's music "encourages violence and intolerance of homosexuality," and "fosters hatred with views that seek to provoke others to terrorist acts." But that was then. Tyler is once again the toast of the UK, and here's how people reacted to his sick burn.
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Along with taking a jab at May, Tyler also thanked the UK for its musical influence. He gave a shout out to "all the British funk from the 80s" and admitted to trying to "copy" their style when producing records.
