Beyonce is facing a growing career crisis. Prominent LGBTQ+ activists are calling for Bey to be cancelled, because of her recent performance in Dubai – and the movement is picking up steam, Media Take Out has learned.
Beyoncé went viral this weekend, when she performed her first live concert in over four years. And while most people were happy to see Bey perform again, Media Take Out confirmed that others were furious that the show even happened in the first place.
Beyonce’s performance took place in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, and was paid an estimated $24 million for the concert.
The critics of Bey’s live appearance are calling for the legendary singer to be canceled, since they believe her Dubai concert harms members of the LGBTQ+ community.
What’s the problem? Well, ho****uality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. According to Human Dignity Trust, under the law in the UAE, prison time can be enforced for same-s** activity. “Both men and women are criminalized under the law,” according to the organization. “Same-s** activity may also be penalized under Sharia law, under which the death penalty is possible, though there is no evidence that this has been used against LGBT people.”
Like other stars before her, Beyoncé was criticized for performing in a country that is oppressive towards LGBTQ+ people. One activist @Douglasgrnwd, which has over 20K likes, reads, “No beef but I’m struggling to understand why Beyoncé, who has half a billion dollars, would accept 20 million dollars to make her debut performance of the Renaissance album, a record which lifts heavily from queer culture, in Dubai, a country where LGBT rights aren’t recognised. [sic]”
Beyoncé reportedly did not perform songs from 2022’s Renaissance, which led another Twitter user to question whether this was on purpose. @PeterTatchell wrote, “#Beyonce performs in #Dubai’s homophobic dictatorship. Ditching her own progressive values, she put a money-grabbing pay cheque before human rights. And sang no songs from Renaissance album, to appease anti-LGBT+ regime that has death penalty for gay sex?”
Renaissance features samples and guest appearances by several queer artists.
Another Twitter user, @Yungbobbay, wrote, “Beyonce’s first performance in years and she decides to do it exclusively for celebs and millionaires in Dubai after releasing an album celebrating LGBT culture… It’s gonna be a no from me. Like, slay girl but also no, girl!”
[social_warfare]