Descendant of Robert E. Lee Denounces Racism, White Supremacy at VMAs

The Rev. Robert Wright Lee IV, a descendant of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, on Sunday appeared at the MTV's VMA Awards and spoke out against racism, what he referred to as "America's original sin."

"We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism and hate. As a pastor it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, America's original sin," said Lee, who publicly supported the removal of his ancestor's statue in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"Today, I call on all of us, with privilege and power to answer God's call to confront racism and white supremacy head-on. We can find inspiration in the Black Lives Matter movement, the women who marched in the Women's March in January, and, especially Heather Heyer, who died fighting for her beliefs in Charlottesville."

Heyer died when she was hit by a car at the rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12 that turned violent when white nationalists clashed with counter-protestors. Her mother, Susan Bro, also spoke at the VMA's and announced the launch of the Heather Heyer foundation. 

It is "a nonprofit organization that will provide scholarships to help more people join Heather's fight against hatred. ... I want people to know that Heather never marched alone. She was always joined by people from every race and every background in this country," she said. 

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