Pop-star Dua Lipa took the Instagram on Thursday to express how horrified she felt after multiple fans were forcibly removed from her concert in Shanghai for dancing in their seats and apparently waving flags in support of gay rights.
According to a report, some claimed that people were removed for not staying seated, while others said guards targeted a group waving LGBTQ flags during the show. Social media users shared footage that appeared to show staff pulling one person out of their seat and forcing another out of the arena.
In a video posted on Twitter, a visibly distraught Lipa is seen asking for calm. “I want to create a really safe environment for us all to have fun,” she told the audience. “I would love in these last few songs for us to really, really, really enjoy ourselves. How about that?”, which makes her upset for facing her fans this type of situation.
“I will stand by you all for your love and beliefs and I am proud and grateful that you felt safe enough to show your pride at my show. What you did takes a lot of bravery”, tweeted the singer by praising the fans who were kicked out because of waving LGBT flag.
“I always want my music to bring strength, hope and unity. I was horrified by what happened and I send love to all my fans involved”, added the singer.
Although homosexuality was nixed from China’s official list of mental disorders in 2001, LGBTQ people there have few legal protections against discrimination and still face widespread social disapproval and harassment.
> Shatabdi Sarker Poushi
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