India. Arie is facing backlash for her recent remarks about Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe’s overtly sexual performances at Essence Fest this week.
The “Houston Hottie” led a twerking “bootcamp” on stage for 20 of her fans on stage at the festival while Monáe seductively flashed her breasts on stage, but for Arie, both acts of carefree-ness were unwarranted.
“The issue is what is CONTEXT,” India.Arie wrote in an Instagram comments section. “Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE. No. is everything for KIDS? No. is everything for EVERY BODY? NO. so when we as a culture make something like this main stream … it shows a lack of discretion [and] discernment. To those in the comments who laugh at anyone who wants these things for [our] culture you certainly have that right. Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export – [our] Music – to show us in a respectful light. Id like to go on the record saying : this wont age well and thats my issue.”
Arie’s comments quickly went viral, with many condemning the singer’s judgment of the young performers.
The “Brown Skin” singer took to the internet once again to clarify her remarks:
“I HATE defending simple logic, so I’m going to just say this,” she began. “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.”
Arie reiterated that she has spent her time in the industry uplifting others and vehemently decried claims she is “a person who would use other women for kindling in the burning down of the patriarchy.”
Her remarks sparked debate on Twitter:
