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Did Patti LaBelle flout Covid-19 rules at CNN's New Year's event? Angry fans say it's not good to 'show such wealth'

Fans called out Patti LaBelle's on her houseful new year celebration

With the world ready to bid 2020 farewell, people from all over tuned in to catch Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen hosting CNN New Year's Eve Live event, as the two hosts headed out to New York City. They were joined by a range of other celebrities — including Jimmy Buffett, Carole Baskin, Leslie Jordan, Dulce Sloan, Desus & Mero, Aloe Blacc, and the Goo Goo Dolls — virtually of course. This list included the 'Godmother of Soul' herself, Patti LaBelle. 

Sharing a sneak peek, Anderson Cooper tweeted, "Legendary soul singer Patti LaBelle helps ring in 2021 by giving @AndersonCooper and @Andy a tour of her New Year’s Eve feast." In the clip, LaBelle could be seen lounging around with a glass of wine.

The video soon triggered many, including politician Dean Browning, who wrote, "Looks like Patti LaBelle is breaking the COVID rules and has a lot of people over her house on #CNNNYE. Really great to see that even staunch liberals are standing up to the COVID rules! Respect!" Meanwhile, some couldn't help but adore her style and sensibilities. "Please, someone tell me where I can find Patti LaBelle’s wine goblet," one tweet read.

The singer-songwriter has an illustrious career, having sold more than 50 million records worldwide and was won Grammy awards and multiple NAACP Image awards for her work. The song, 'Lady Marmalade', sung by her then band, LaBelle, has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It's 2001 cover, performed by Christina Aguilar, May, Pink, and Lil Kim, recorded for the 'Moulin Rouge!'

The soundtrack was just as popular, making it the ninth song to land the Billboard number one spot by two different musical acts in America. 

While Patti has always been loved by fans and the media, the New Year may not have gotten off to a great start for her, if you go by the comments online. Viewers were quick to notice multiple things wrong with Patti's appearance-her house seemed to be full of people, none of whom were wearing masks, including Patti herself. No one seemed to be socially distancing either.

Fans took to Twitter to call her out, saying: "Patti LaBelle loves talking about how her guests are staying distant while literally being in her kitchen with no masks on. #CNNNYE" Another, pointing out the irony of the situation stated: " Patti LaBelle on CNN, maskless with 15 ppl behind her while saying ‘it’s ok I’m social distancing’ is peak 2020 for me." "Patti Labelle on CNN with a house full of people, grandkids, etc. No masks. No distancing," fumed another viewer.  

Viewers had also zoned in what was cooking at the singer's house as they had mixed reactions toward her food spread, which was meant to promote her own frozen food line.  "Patti Labelle on CNN hawking her "new line of frozen foods" to these two old queens, everyone dropping names of their celeb friends... Is this supposed to be satire?" asked one Twitter user. "@CNN showing a fantastic spread of good food at Patti Labelle’s house with millions of Americans hungry on New Year’s Eve. @andersoncooper @ChrisCuomo" A user pointed out. 

Another fan posted, "And I love Patti Labelle - it’s not a personal issue with her by any means, but thinking it just might not be the best time to show such wealth when so many are barely able to make ends meet right now."

But keeping in the mood of the festive spirit, she was also handing out free food by the gates of her home. It was an interesting start to the new year, to say the least. The special started on Thursday, December 31 starting at 8 pm ET and you can tune in to CNN to catch all the fun and madness.