India.Arie has responded to backlash she received for her criticisms of Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe‘s twerk competition at Essence Fest.
Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday (July 5), the singer doubled down on her stance that the event doesn’t send the right message but clarified that there is no ill will behind what she said.
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“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 bullshit 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.”
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She continued: “BUT ALSO, I DO THIS WORK. My whole adult LIFE.. the work of UPLIFTING and LOVING and AFFIRMING and SUPPORTING the WELLNESS of Black women. And all people at large. How effective I was… I guess depends on who you ask. But for 20 plus years, I ran 100 miles an hours at all times… In the name of HEALING. So, when I see something that sparks my PERSONAL mission… I speak.
“There’s not scandal here. Just one woman’s opinion. But what I will NEVER ALLOW, is for ANYONE to paint ME!! As a person who would use other women for kindling in the burning down of the patriarchy. NO. No. NO. NO. NOOO. It’s. I love all, ALL of the female artists, because I KNOW FIRST HAND how hard it is to BE ONE.”
India.Arie went on: “I’ve released 8 albums. And have myself played the ESSENCE main stage… 6 (?) times? What I see, here is the main streaming of cults, that IMHO should be adult only entertainment. AND! I’ve been saying this SAaaaaaaammmmmmmeeeeee thing for over 20 years. WHY?
“LOL some could say my ideals created a LESS business model, LOL !! But I stand by them because my gut tells me too. SO much more to say but I don’t feel like it. I’m in a BIG REAL LIFE MOMENT and have a BUNCH of stuff going on. Also, in case you missed it… PROTECTING MY PEACE IN 2023. I’m open for a REAL smart debate or a real conversation but I don’t do the social media self propelled outrage BS. I put ME FIRST in my life. I DO this self care thing FOR REAL.”
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The “Brown Skin” singer concluded: “LASTLY, INCASE ANYONE MISSED IT! I do NOT make a practice of publicly criticizing my sisters. My thoughts are around ESSENCE FESTIVAL and context. Which really is logic. I’m NOT addressing this anymore. Peace. Why is it so hard for people to understand? It’s crazy to me the level of explanation needed. And why is everything a thing. [laughing emojis] IT YOU! Not me lol.”
Footage of a twerk dance competition featuring women of all shapes and sizes was shared on Essence Fest’s official Instagram page earlier this week.
In the footage, Megan Thee Stallion encouraged the contestants to give it their all, while Janelle Monáe, who was standing to the side of the stage, cheered them on.
India.Arie caught wind of the video and wasn’t a fan of what she saw, saying that although she has no issues with either women, she doesn’t like what their actions represent for the greater audience that’s paying attention.
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“The issue is what is CONTEXT,” the Grammy Award-winning singer commented. “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.”
She continued: “To those in the comments who laugh at anyone who wants these things for out culture you certainly have that right. Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export – out Music – to show us in a respectful light. Id like to go on the record saying : this wont age well and thats my issue.
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“i LOVE Janelle AND Meg the way i love us all ~ AND i dont like this moment. Dont bother debating me lol idc and I DO this. for 25 yrs i’ve done THIS. so. read ponder or dont.”
