Many criticized the singer’s decision to perform in the United Arab Emirates, a country with clearly defined laws criminalizing same-sex relationships.
“No one is going to talk about how Beyoncé betrayed the Queer community? Dubai has one of the worst human rights laws in the World and they even kill gay people over there but Bey still went ahead to perform? Guess she only speaks about gay rights when it’s beneficial,” one critic wrote.
“I do hope the ‘Beyoncé is playing Dubai in the middle of the RENAISSANCE era’ debate is reminding people that this is what happens when you let straight people be the face of queer culture! Their fights are not our fights!” someone else wrote.
There’s been speculation over the fee commanded for the performance, with some reports claiming the singer received $35 million while others are reporting $24 million.
A PR source from the hotel told a guest that the $24 million figure covered the cost of the whole weekend, not just Beyoncé’s fee. BuzzFeed News contacted Parkwood Entertainment and Atlantis for confirmation.
Guests in attendance included actor Nia Long, comedian Rebel Wilson, and model Kendall Jenner, who later hosted an event for her tequila brand 818.
The weekend also welcomed influencers and journalists, who were treated to a packed itinerary of parties, fine dining, and unlimited access to the facilities on site.
