Since the coronavirus pandemic, Beyoncé has kept a relatively low profile, unlike other celebrities who have been oversharing their day-to-day lives on any social media platform that will allow them to live-stream.
But for the “One World: Together at Home” concert, the “Formation” singer made a rare appearance while urging people to take the pandemic seriously and stay at home to save lives.
Viewers who watched the live broadcast did take note of one particular comment made by the 38-year-old when she said that the virus is ‘killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America.’
‘Those with preexisting conditions are at an even higher risk.’
But users on social media didn’t appreciate the remark, stressing that Beyoncé had made it seem as if the virus discriminates based on race.
‘Just saw Beyonce talking about how coronavirus is killing black people. So, is it not killing Hispanics then? Or what about Chinese people? Should’ve stayed in hiding, to be honest,’ one angered Twitter user vented.
‘I honestly don’t understand what Beyonce is on about – people of every race and color are dying from the virus,’ another user stressed.
‘What an ignorant thing to say when so many people are losing their loved ones – and I guarantee you that they’re not all of one race.’
During the taping of the televised benefit, the “Dreamgirls” actress said that in her hometown of Houston, Texas, more than 57per cent of people who had contracted COVID-19 were of African-American descent – and the rapid rise was alarming, to say the least.
‘Please protect yourselves. We are one family and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities, and your strength all over this world,’ she added.
The mother-of-three then took a moment to thank all of the essential workers who are making the biggest sacrifice by continuing with their daily duties, consequently keeping everybody else safe from the infection while doctors are going above and beyond to save as many lives as possible.
‘Tonight we celebrate true heroes, those who are making the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe, fed, and healthy…we continue to pray for your safety.’
She added: ‘To those in the food industry, delivery workers, mail carriers, and sanitation employees who are working so we can be safe in our homes, we thank you for your selfless service.’
Beyoncé concluded her message saying that while staying indoors can be hard, doing so will save lives, before urging viewers to stay positive, continue ‘praying for our heroes,’ and stay motivated.
Queen Bey is said to be isolating at her Los Angeles home with Jay-Z and their three children: Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir Carter.
The couple celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on April 4. They first got together in 2002, right before collaborating on their hit record “’03 Bonnie & Clyde.”