So much for gay rights: Beyonce slammed for $24M performance in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE: Beyonce has found herself embroiled in controversy after giving a multi-million dollar live performace in Dubai. Though several of her fans took to social media platforms to hail her and her iconic performance after five years, many people, including supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community, slammed the singer because the UAE is a staunch opponent of the community.
Queen Bey was reportedly paid $24M for an hour's show at Dubai’s new Atlantis the Royal Hotel on Saturday, January 21. At one point, she was joined by her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter too. However, slamming the 41-year-old singer, Bev Jackson, the co-founder of the British advocacy group LGB Alliance, reportedly said the 'Sorry' singer's gig “casts a shadow over her support for lesbians and gay people,” per Daily Mail.
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Jackson stated, “Beyoncé is a huge icon for a lot of gay people. LGB Alliance is deeply disappointed that Beyoncé has agreed to give a lucrative concert in Dubai, where same-sex sexual acts are a criminal offense, potentially punishable by death.”
Another person tweeted, “#BeyonceInDubai is another example that principles can simply be bought #Queen of #Hypocrisy #Beyoncé who has campaigned for #LGBTQ rights before, has given a concert in Dubai for the amount of 24 millions, while the United Arab Emirates have a very harsh anti-LGBTQ policy.”
#BeyonceInDubai is another example that principles can simply be bought 💰#Queen of #Hypocrisy #Beyoncé who has campaigned for #LGBTQ rights before, has given a concert in Dubai for the amount of 24 millions, while the United Arab Emirates have a very harsh anti-LGBTQ policy⚠️ pic.twitter.com/25AWWnGeBx
— JoWe #FBPEGlobal #ONDACIVICA #USofEurope (@JoWe_FBPEGlobal) January 23, 2023
'Drag Race UK' star Kitty Scott-Claus referred to the criticism aimed at David Beckham for advertising the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which has similar policies like the UAE regarding the LGBTQIA+ community. Scott-Claus sarcastically asked, “Hi I have a question.. can someone explain why everyone was cancelling David Beckham the other month but now celebrating Beyoncé for performing in Dubai? One rule for one and one for another?”
Hi I have a question.. can someone explain why everyone was cancelling David Beckham the other month but now celebrating Beyoncé for performing in Dubai? One rule for one and one for another?
— Kitty Scott-Claus (@kittyscottclaus) January 22, 2023
I just want these celebs to acknowledge that money talks... always! Like Ronaldo packing up and moving to The Emirates... because he wants to evolve and develope?? LOL. Just say you want the money!
— Aracuan👨🚀 (@StianGundersen2) January 22, 2023
Another user shared, “I just want these celebs to acknowledge that money talks... always! Like Ronaldo packing up and moving to The Emirates... because he wants to evolve and develope?? LOL. Just say you want the money!” The second one wrote, “It's a classic case of ‘My morals are bent when it might negative effect me’.” A third one said, “These allies are only allies until a large wad of cash is wafted under their noses.”
It's a classic case of "My morals are bent when it might negative effect me"
— lala (@AndrewTapson3) January 22, 2023
These allies are only allies until a large wad of cash is wafted under their noses
— Mark R (He/Him) (@makeyourm4rk) January 22, 2023
Because she doesn't care about us, we're just a target market to sell to. Time to get over all these performers who say they're allies. They're not. It's a marketing ploy.
— Richard Andrews #StandWithUkraine (@bandyslake) January 23, 2023
A fourth one tweeted, “Because she doesn't care about us, we're just a target market to sell to. Time to get over all these performers who say they're allies. They're not. It's a marketing ploy.” “Why any rich celeb feel the need to have anything to do with Dubai is beyond me, there's plenty of countries to visit that have basic human rights. It's all about greed and money,” a fifth user remarked.
Why any rich celeb feel the need to have anything to do with Dubai is beyond me, there's plenty of countries to visit that have basic human rights. It's all about greed and money
— Love Lundstedt (@LundstedtLove) January 23, 2023
She make money with lgbt people then goes and perform in a place where Gay are sentenced to death... Minogue too
— Somehow (@Somehowtheyknow) January 22, 2023
The list of artists who played UAE concerts won't fit in a tweet but includes: Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Sam Smith, The Weekend, Elton John, Pink, Muse, Aerosmith, The Who, Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, The Killers, Prince, Britney Spears There are dozens more. Money talks.
— Mattydo (@Mattydooozzzz) January 23, 2023
Another tweet read, “She make money with lgbt people then goes and perform in a place where Gay are sentenced to death... Minogue too.” Another tweet added, “The list of artists who played UAE concerts won't fit in a tweet but includes: Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Sam Smith, The Weekend, Elton John, Pink, Muse, Aerosmith, The Who, Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, The Killers, Prince, Britney Spears There are dozens more. Money talks.”
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