Beyoncé’s Father Defends Her Dubai Gig Against ‘Narrow-Minded’ Criticism

Beyoncé’s father will not hear a word against his daughter! Mathew Knowles, her father has hit out at the narrow-minded criticism for her Dubai gig. Beyoncé performed her first headline show in four years at the launch of a luxury hotel in the UAE. Many influencers and journalists were invited to join her for the opening of the Atlantis The Royal Hotel. It was supposed to be a “performance of a lifetime” but this gig was criticised by fans over the history of human rights violations and criminalising homosexuality in Dubai. 

Mathew Knowles stated that Beyoncé “gave respect and got respect back from the country”. He also added that she “united a really diverse crowd with her incredible performance overseas, bringing people closer, as she does best.” He also stated that his daughter “always stood for inclusiveness” and would “never do something to deliberately hurt someone”.

Beyoncé also confirmed a 2023 world tour for her new album ‘Renaissance’ via an auction. According to sources, her crew, dancers and band will undergo thorough background checks before hitting the road with her. The tour is being planned and no fixed dates have been released yet. 

Beyoncé opened her Dubai performance with ‘At Last’, ‘XO’ and ‘Flaws And All’ before switching to her back catalogue. Tracks from her ‘Lion King: The Gift’ soundtrack like ‘Otherside’, ‘Spirit’ and ‘Bigger’ received their live debut. Her daughter Blue Ivy Carter joined her on stage for ‘Brown Skin Girl’.

– Riya Sohini