Taraji P. Henson Praises Megan Thee Stallion for Withstanding 'All of the Adversity': 'Proud of You' (Exclusive)

"Go Meg. Go Meg. I got you. I love you," Henson, who previously appeared in Megan's "Body" music video, tells PEOPLE ahead of the 2024 BET Awards

Megan Thee Stallion has a friend and supporter in Taraji P. Henson.

Ahead of her upcoming hosting gig at the 2024 BET Awards, the Oscar-nominated actress, 53, recently attended the "WAP" rapper's Hot Girl Summer Tour stop in Los Angeles on June 21 — more than three years after starring in her "Body" music video.

"That was my first time seeing her perform live on her stage, headlining. She's amazing," Henson tells PEOPLE. "She has been able to withstand all of the adversity and rise above it. She's incredible. I love you Megan, and I'm so proud of you. That's my baby girl, by the way."

Related: Cardi B Joins Megan Thee Stallion for 'WAP' and 'Bongos' at Sold-Out Madison Square Garden Concert

The Color Purple star has known Megan, 29, for at least a few years now, as she made a cameo in the video for "Body" alongside Blac Chyna, Jordyn Woods, Maliibu Miitch, Asian Da Brat and Tabria Majors. Watching the Grammy winner's career continue to blossom since then has meant a lot to Henson, who loves watching fellow women thrive.

"I'm like auntie, you know? I'm a girl's girl. Anything women are doing, I'm there," she says. "I'm the cheerleader. I'm the loudest one in the front cheering them on, and that's what you should be as an elder."

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"Be here for these babies! You know, it's hard enough out here for women, and what I'm not gonna be is another obstacle for another woman. So, I'm a champion," adds Henson. "I'm a team player. I'm a girl's girl. Go Meg. Go Meg. I got you. I love you."

This year's BET Awards will mark Henson's third time hosting — though she already would've accomplished that feat if 2023 panned out differently for actors.

"I was ready last year to host and then we had the [SAG and WGA] strike. So, I'm really excited this year. It's gonna be an incredible show," she says. "It's culture's biggest night. The performances are gonna blow us all away. We got Will Smith, guys. I am so excited to see what he has up his sleeve."

Related: Taraji P. Henson 'Thrilled' to Return to Host 2024 BET Awards: 'Looking Forward to Celebrating My Peers'

"Usher is getting his flowers, and I'm so honored to host the show where he's receiving his flowers. I'm just proud of him," continues Henson. "It's a proud moment for the culture."

As for what viewers can expect from the awards show, airing live on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30, the Golden Globe winner is tight-lipped — but teasing something special.

"I'm showcasing yet another talent that a lot of you don't know that I can do. Some of you know, but not all of you," says Henson. "The world will know."

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