I love black women. I came from a black woman who came from a black woman and I feel that melanated femdom is God's most valuable gift to earth. Women like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé are reminders of how blessed I am to be in the skin I'm in, and I'll stan for them any day with no shame. I've literally ended friendships because people didn't respect the true power of their magic. Don't @ me.
No, I don't know these women, and they don't know me, but they are undeniable and indubitably the sh*t and I unapologetically stand by that statement. With so many people in the world trying to devalue and demean women that look like me, it's a breath of fresh air to see us winning in a major way. But, with that being said, I can't help but notice a dangerous culture of divisive and sometimes abrasive admiration of these celebrities that has evolved on the internet over the past few years.
We all know that people can talk crazy from behind a keyboard, but the concept of toxic fandom has taken cyberbullying to a whole new level. Before I get a sh*tload of bees in my comments, I f*cks with the Beyhive. I'm an avid hottie. I'm a part of the Rihanna Navy. And I've been a Barb since day one; but according to Beyoncé's publicist, y'all gotta chill.
Recently, some internet gangsters deeboed the f*ck out this poor white lady's Instagram after a clip went viral of her leaning over Beyoncé to talk to Jay-Z. The clip, which has since amassed millions of views, featured the wife of Warriors owner, Nicole Curran, who said that the encounter was not what it was made out to be. Nicole spoke with ESPN writer, Ramona Shelburn, who later tweeted and explained the situation at length:
"Curran said she had no idea anything was even amiss until she got home and started seeing texts from friends and checked her social media. She's invited Jay Z and Beyoncé to the game 3-4 times before. Last night she says she asked if they wanted drinks. Beyoncé asked for water. Curran says Jay Z asked for a vodka soda. She asked if he wanted lime with that. But it was loud in Oracle and she couldn't hear, so she leaned over. That's where the photos of Beyoncé looking askance at her come from."
According to Nicole, she's recieved hateful messages and even death threats in abundance after the incident, and expressed that she, like other users that have been stung by the Beyhive, is severely traumatized by the incident. Nicole told Ramona:
"There was no hostility. I was trying to be a good hostess. I've never experienced cyber-bullying like this. I can't believe our players go through this. That kids go through this."
Since the incident, Bey has been tight-lipped about the situation, but a member of her team recenly relayed a message from the queen about her hive's wildly unacceptable behavior. Beyonce's pubicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, wrote on Instagram:
"I am looking back today at the start of The OTRII tour, one year ago. It was a place of joy, unimaginable entertainment from two of the best performers in the world, and a place of love. Every single day on that tour I saw love. Which is why I also want to speak here to the beautiful BeyHiVE. I know your love runs deep but that love has to be given to every human. It will bring no joy to the person you love so much if you spew hate in her name. We love you."
That's polite for, "wtf is wrong with y'all?". While some feel that Beyonce should have made a statement herself, typically, artists aren't vocal about the actions of their fanbase, and quite frankly, this whole situation is far too wild for words. If you ask me, this is a prime example of why we should all just mind our own damn business.
I love me some Beyonce, but I'm pretty sure she wouldn't want my love for her to be so intense that it's deadly. Because that would be dangerous... Black women are godly and it's okay to show admiration. But when it gets to the point that your love looks less like admiration and more like worship, it's time to take a step back, sis. That's unhealthy.
What do you think? Did the Beyhive go too far? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image by Instagram/@Beyonce.