Music

“I Was Horrified”: Dua Lipa Issues Statement After Fans Were Violently Dragged Out Of Her Show

The singer was in tears as the events unfolded.

by Jules LeFevre  14 September 2018
Dua Lipa Shanghai

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British pop star Dua Lipa has issued a statement after a number of fans were forcefully removed from her concert in Shanghai on Wednesday night.

Disturbing videos of the incidents show fans being dragged out by security, reportedly for standing up and dancing, and waving the rainbow Pride flag. One eyewitness told the BBC that she saw a man being removed from the venue in a headlock.

The BBC notes that while homosexuality isn’t illegal in China, anti-LGBTIQ sentiment does exist. Last year, an official media watchdog in China labelled homosexual content as “pornographic and vulgar”.

The singer was in tears on stage following the events. “I want to create a really safe environment for us all to have fun,” she told the crowd. “I want us all to dance. I want us all to sing, I want us all to just have a really good time.”

Today Dua Lipa issued an official statement on social media, writing that she was “horrified” by what occurred.

“Last night, I did it for my fans,” she wrote on Twitter. “A promised show. I stood by them, sang with them and danced with them. 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. 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. I would love to come back for my fans when the time is right and hopefully see a room full of rainbows.

“I love you Shanghai.”