President of Programming at BET, Stephen Hill, is leaving the network and fans of BET are having meltdowns everywhere. EVP Head of Original Programming, Zola Mashariki, is parting ways with the company, too.
Hill has been an executive at BET for over 18 years. During his time at the network, he helped to create numerous popular programs such as "106 & Park," "The BET Awards," "The Hip Hop Awards," "Real Housewives Of Husbands," and even more recently; critically-acclaimed "The New Edition Story" and "Rebel." Connie Orlando, SVP Specials, Music Programming, and News, will serve as the interim Head of Programming; while BET looks for a replacement.
Today (March 29), Hill made the announced in a memo sent out to his colleagues. "This Friday, 6,549 days after I took my first step through the doors of BET, I will walk my last one out," he wrote. "It has been my honor to serve this brand in that span and I am thrilled to have been able to be a member of the teams that ideated and created so many spectacles, moments, memories and miracles. It’s been fulfilling to be part of huge changes that literally shifted culture."
BET Chairman/CEO Debra Lee also issued a statement about Hill's departure. "Who could ever forget THE Prince Tribute, James Brown and Michael Jackson, Beyoncé & Kendrick Lamar?" Lee said. "This list can go on and on. The incredible 'awww yeahhh' moments Stephen has created during his 18 years literally are too many to mention." You can read both Hill and Lee's letters here.
Ever since this news broke, Black Twitter has been going through it, chile. Read some Twitter reactions below.
We'll miss you, Stephen. Thank you for all you've done for BET and the culture.
Photo: Getty Images