Beyoncé gave her first live performance in five years, but not everyone is happy about it.
The American star sang at a concert in Dubai during the opening of the luxury hotel Atlantis Royal.
Although there was a strict ban on the use of phones at this exclusive ceremony with 1.500 guests, footage of her performance flooded social media.
Many fans were excited to see the Queen Bee, as many call Beyonce, back on stage, but others were unhappy about the fact that she was performing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country with strict laws against same-sex relationships.
Renaissance, her latest album, was praised for its "homage to black queer culture" and for being inspired by LGBT icons.
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With the album, Beyoncé paid tribute to dance music, which originated from the gay community and modeled on the dance balls in New York's Harlem during the 19th century.
That is why some fans do not support the fact that the singer chose a country where LGBT rights are not recognized for her comeback.
"Special Rules"
Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates, a country from a group of Middle Eastern countries that have a number of strict laws against homosexuality.
The rules in that country are similar to those in Qatar, which hosted the World Cup last year.
This country was also the target of criticism for its attitude towards LGBT people, disrespect for human rights and the treatment of workers from abroad.
David Beckham, the former England soccer star, has faced criticism for signing a lucrative contract with the Qatari government to advertise the championship, with comedian Joe Lycett most vocal in his criticism.
Beckham, like Beyoncé, is adored among members of the LGBT community and in 2002 his picture was on the cover of Stav magazine (Attitude), best seller among gay people.
But the previous criticisms of the American singer were not as harsh as in the case of the former football player.
Kitty Scott-Klaus, star of the British television show Drag Race, asks if there is "one rule for one person and another rule for another," referring to Beckham's case.
Hi I have a question.. can someone explain why everyone was canceling 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
Not all fans had objections either - some feel that the United Arab Emirates is not the only country with such an attitude towards LGBT people and should not be ostracized because of it.
Others pointed out the differences between Beyoncé's performance and Beckham's involvement, pointing out that the singer was paid to perform at a private party, while the former soccer player was hired by the government to actively promote the country.
The BBC has contacted Beyoncé for comment.
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