Omari Hardwick Draws Backlash for Kissing Beyoncé at NAACP Image Awards

Thw 'Power' star fumbled a customary greeting into something that looked uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Omari Hardwick attends 12th Annual CNN Heroes
Getty

Image via Getty/John Lamparski/WireImage

Omari Hardwick attends 12th Annual CNN Heroes

Omari Hardwick fell out of the Beyhive's good graces thanks to an awkward embrace with Beyoncé at Saturday's NAACP Image Awards. While greeting her, the Power star went in for two kisses—including one near the mouth. Beyoncé looked at least slightly uncomfortable afterward.

 

Beyoncé has arrived! 👑 #NAACPImageAward pic.twitter.com/4GEXScVOma

— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) March 31, 2019

Hardwick was attacked by Beyoncé's loyal subjects and fairweather fans just wondering what he was thinking at this moment.

A respectable handshake would have worked just fine from Omari Hardwick.

Women don’t need to be grabbed, hugged and kissed unless its your wife/girlfriend.

Beyonce should have slapped him !https://t.co/MqflX03BYU

— Whorfery (@Whorfery) March 31, 2019

We’re not gonna mention how Omari Hardwick gave Beyoncé a kiss and Ghost came back and gave her another one🙄 https://t.co/qV9qlxPve8

— DPWM💕 (@1of1deej) March 31, 2019

Damn, Ghost - that’s how you feel? Skipped dappin #Jayz to almost kissing #Beyoncé in the mouth 😮 | #omarihardwick | #weunbothered pic.twitter.com/6Op2hHyTCj

— ᗯEᑌᑎᗷOTᕼEᖇEᗪ (@weunbothered1) March 31, 2019

Beyoncé took home the night's top prize as the Entertainer of the Year, beating Chadwick Boseman, Ryan Coogler, Regina King, and LeBron James. JAY-Z received the President's Award and used his acceptance speech to share his admiration for the women in his life.

"I grew up believing I could conquer anything because of those strong women in my house," JAY-Z said while reflecting on the influence of his grandmother and mother. He then turned the attention to Beyoncé. 

"I would like to dedicate this award to those beautiful women," JAY-Z closed. "I'd like to dedicate this award to a beautiful woman in my life, Ms. Beyonce.... Just because of the white suit."

Latest in Pop Culture