Jessica Alba, Ne-Yo Honor Victims of Gun Violence at 2016 Teen Choice Awards
The Teen Choice Awards are typically a light-hearted night of celebrating the best in entertainment -- at least, according to its young voters -- but this year's show shifted gears midway, when it offered viewers a poignant, somber segment about gun control.
Jessica Alba appeared onstage along with a group of teenagers -- which included J.T. Lewis, whose brother was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as well as Alton Sterling's son, Cameron -- who have been affected by gun violence and police brutality.
"Here with me tonight is a group of brave teenagers who share an unlikely bond that's hard to comprehend," Alba began. "They are the brothers, sisters, daughters and family members of recent victims of gun violence. I'm talking about Aurora, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Minneapolis, Orlando, San Bernadino, Newtown. It keeps happening and it has to stop."
Alba then told the individual stories of those onstage with her before Ne-Yo launched into an emotional performance of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."
"These teens had the courage to come here and share their grief and take a stand. And tonight Ne-Yo and I and all of us here and all of us watching need to do the same," Alba continued, before imploring the audience to "take a picture of all of these courageous teens standing here" and post the image to social media with the hashtag #StopTheViolence.
See a clip from the emotional segment above.
See Photos From the 2016 Teen Choice Awards Red Carpet