India.Arie was not a fan of Megan Thee Stallion’s Essence Festival 2023 performance.
Meg who headlined Sunday night, led a “hot girl bootcamp” on stage — with assistance from Janelle Monáe — featuring some 20 fans from the crowd twerking in front of the audience.
“Hot girl bootcamp was in full effect last night. It’s @janellemonae with the encouragement for us,” ESSENCE captioned a clip.
In response, Arie wrote a lengthy comment, beginning with, “The issue is what is CONTEXT.”
She added, “Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG [ON] 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.”
She continued, “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.”
“I’d like to go on the record saying: this wont age well and thats my issue.”
Although upset with the performance, the “I Am Not My Hair” singer did reiterate that she “loves” Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe, but “I don’t like this moment.”
She also warned critics not to challenge her thoughts, as she’s “been doing this” for 25 years.
Monáe also caught flack for exposing her breast while performing her song “Yoga” on stage. During the part of the song that goes, “Get off my areola,” Monae lifted one side of her bikini top, showing her breast.
YOU CANNOT POLICE @JanelleMonae 🗣️#EssenceFest pic.twitter.com/h8iodAnIOp
— ESSENCE Festival (@essencefest) July 1, 2023
On Twitter folks were split, with some siding with India and others calling her a prude. Then there was those like Too Live Crew rapper Luke Campbell questioning Monae’s performance and scratching their heads.
