Beyoncé's comeback performance over the weekend has caused quite a stir with many hitting out at the music icon for taking to the stage in Dubai.
The hitmaker performed at the exclusive launch of Dubai's latest hotel, Atlantis The Royal, which also teamed up with Kendall Jenner's tequila brand, 818.
It's believed that the 41-year-old earned an eye watering $24 million (£19.3 million) for her first performance since taking to the stage at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival.
However, those in attendance were asked not to record her performance, on request from the artist.
Beyoncé performed 19 songs for the audience including a duet with her daughter Blue-Ivy, 11, as well as hits including XO, Halo, Drink In Love and Crazy In Love.
However, Bey is said not to have performed any music from her 2022 album, Renaissance which is said to be a love letter to Black and queer dance music pioneers.
LGBTQ+ people in Dubai face several legal challenges as homosexuality is illegal under Sharia law in the United Arab Emirates.
In Dubai, under Article 177 of the Penal Code of Dubai – those taking part in consensual sodomy (anal sex) can face up to 10 years behind bars.
Co-founder of LGB Alliance, Bev Jackson has hit out at the star, claiming her performance "casts a shadow over her support for lesbians and gay people".
Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: "Beyoncé is a huge icon for many gay people.
"LGB Alliance is deeply therefore disappointed that Beyoncé has agreed to give a lucrative concert in Dubai, where same-sex sex acts are a criminal offence, potentially punishable by death."
Meanwhile, RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Kitty Scott-Claus took to Twitter to explain her fury, writing: "Hi I have a question.. can someone explain why everyone was cancelling David Beckham the other month but now celebrating Beyoncé for performing in Dubai? One rule for one and one for another?"
"Both paid millions to turn a blind eye and promote a barbaric regime. £20mn in Beyonce's case… same energy," fumed one follower.
While a second went on to add: "Not to mention that Kylie was questioned for doing the exact same thing as Beyoncé just did. Some just don't face scrutiny I guess."
Another Twitter user penned: "No beef but I’m struggling to understand why Beyoncé, who has half a billion dollars, would accept 20 million dollars to make her debut performance of the Renaissance album, a record which lifts heavily from queer culture, in Dubai, a country where LGBT rights aren’t recognised."
"Beyhive forever but..Beyoncé performing a whole new show for sheikhs & billionaires, whilst her fans can’t even get a crumb of Renaissance visuals. AND In Dubai of all places, which actively excludes the community that inspired her latest album. Idk idk," fumed another.
Elsewhere, the likes of Kim Kardashian's friend Jonathan Cheben, Michelle Keegan, Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Liam Payne, Eleanor Calder and influencer Alex Carmichael were in attendance at the event.
The Mirror has approached Beyoncé's representatives for comment.
