Singer India.Arie called out Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe’s performances at Essence Festival.
Video went viral of Megan inviting 20 fans to twerk on-stage while Monáe showed her breast on stage during her performance.
“The issue is what is CONTEXT. Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE,” India.Arie wrote in the comments section. “No, is everything for KIDS? No, is everything for EVERY BODY? so when we as a culture make something like this main stream ~ it shows a lack of discretion [and] discernment.”
“Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export – out Music – to show us in a respectful light,” she continued. “Id like to go on the record saying : this wont age well and thats my issue. i LOVE Janelle AND Meg the way i love us all — AND i dont like this moment. Dont bother debating me lol idc and I DO this. for 25 yrs i’ve done THIS. so. read ponder or don’t.” Other fans took both sides of the argument in the comments section.
After the backlash, India.Arie tried to explain her opinions to her fans.
“I HATE defending simple logic, so I’m going to just say this,” she wrote in part. “THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH ANY OF MY SISTERS. PERIOD. I am AN OLD SCHOOL LONG TIME AFFIRMING VOICE FOR WOMEN. MY RECORD SPEAKS FOR IT’S SELF. I LOVE humanity, even in all it’s bullsh-t LOL!
“All I’m saying is CONTEXT MATTERS. Debate that if you want, lol .. but I said what I said. And WHY did I say it? Because just like EVERYYYONE ELSE, I am entitled to my opinion.”
