Angela Bassett DMed Ariana DeBose "You're Fierce & I Love You" After BAFTA Trolling

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Ariana went viral for her "Angela Bassett did the thing" line, but Bassett reveals she loved it and told the singer so.

If you're questioning what "the thing" is that Angela Bassett apparently "did," the acclaimed actress is not. The veteran actress's name has always been in the spotlight as she is applauded from one blockbuster role to another. It's award season, so Bassett and her Hollywood elite peers gather together to float from one ceremony to the next. The buzz about the Black Panther icon has intensified—but it isn't just about her skills on the big screen.

At this year's BAFTA Awards, Ariana DeBose stole the show. The Westside Story star performed a number she helped write and choreograph, but it seemed to fall flat at first glance. DeBose was teased and trolled about her "Angela Bassett did the thing" lyric, among others. She also went viral for days, and the mention wasn't missed on Bassett. In an interview with Extra TV, the Oscar-winner said she DMed DeBose to ensure she held her head high.

Angela Bassett Reveals Advice To Ariana DeBose

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: Angela Bassett attends the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

While on the red carpet for the 2023 SAG Awards, Extra caught up with Bassett and asked if she had reached out to DeBose. "I DMed her," said the actress. "I saw her that night, and I gave her a big hug. She, my daughter, and I have pictures together. So, we were really thrilled. And then, when I saw [the performance] come out and really take flight, I DMed her. I said, 'I hope you're not at all bothered by the attention we're generating, my dear, because you're fierce, and I adore you."

All anyone would need is a co-sign from Angela Bassett to get them out of viral funk. Now that many of the trolls have been silenced, Bassett is thrilled to see people being more playful, than cruel. "We love how everyone is having fun with it now!" she added. "Just having fun." We're sure we'll be hearing about "the thing" for weeks to come.

Ariana DeBose Speaks About Viral Controversy

While on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, DeBose addressed going viral. “Honestly, it’s not like I’m like, ‘Hey BAFTA, let me in!’" the Oscar-winner said. "They actually called me, believe it or not. But that was the assignment. Like, ‘Come celebrate women,’ and I was like, ‘Absolutely!’ We did that, and it was fun. Not gonna lie, I had a blast.”

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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