Singer The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) has come under fire for perceived homophobia in his new single.
The musician, known for hits like “I Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” is being criticized for lyrics in his new single “Lost in the Fire.” In the song, Tesfaye seemingly refers to seducing a queer woman to turn her straight.
Related: New Music: Sia, VV Brown, Plus Miley Gets Mashed Up With Sinead
“You said you might be into girls, said you’re going through a phase, keeping your heart safe, well baby you can bring a friend, she can ride on top your face, while I f*ck you straight,” he sings. Needless to say, queer activists have fired back at the singer, with lesbian journalist Jill Gutowitz leading the pack on Twitter.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
i don't like cancel culture & i'm not saying "cancel the weeknd," but these are the kinds of lyrics that fucked me up when i was younger & subconsciously kept me in the closet. so it's important to talk about and say "this is isn't ok"
— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) January 11, 2019
“These are the kinds of lyrics that fucked me up when I was younger & subconsciously kept me in the closet,” Gutowitz elaborates.
Watch his videos. He loves/ respects lesbian women smh
— helen grace x (@helengracex1) January 11, 2019
pretty upset at how little this is being talked about. It is hurtful in so many ways. I’m pretty upset that there was so much noise about postmates today from someone extremely close to him but radio silent about this. If you’re an ally don’t pick and choice who you will denounce
— Im You (@HelpMeImBored79) January 12, 2019
Naturally, the backlash to the lyrics has touched off its own backlash of sorts, with tweeters arguing about corrective rape and hypersensitivity. At the time of this writing, Tesfaye has yet to respond.
justgeo
Time for ALL WEEKENDS to be canceled!
Pete le meat
I wonder if The Weeknd is covering up something about his own sexuality.
boymikefl
Misogynist.
Donston
Yes, this seems more about not respecting a female’s sense of self and personal journey with just a bit of actual homophobia. But this is par for the course when it comes to The Weeknd. I do like some of his songs though.
Vince
That picture with the hair pic in his hair I’m not surprised. What a dumb thug.
iamru2
I love his duet with Lana Del Rey. On a triggering scale this registers as less than zero for me! Take that “social justice” warrior fascists!
Bob LaBlah
She looks very gay and it is heavily rumored that he is.
draven
I love the weekend I think he’s was basically talking about a girl that he likes or loves that is either bi or gay or something and he wants her to know how good in bed he is. As far as him being gay….mmmm I doubt it.
Donston
Perhaps. But it does feed into the idea that people (particularly conventionally good-looking, non-butch women) who have distinct same-sex ambitions and relationship preferences just need a good hetero lay and to find the right opposite cis partner. While The Weeknd has delivered some rather misogynistic lyrics in the past. But at this point, this is all a part of his persona and his work. Either embrace it or ignore it.
Donston
Also, let me say, that there are plenty of lesbian identifying females who occasionally or semi regularly hook up with guys. So, giving a chick some “good stroke” isn’t nearly enough to dissipate a woman’s same-sex romantic leanings, emotional passions, sexual desires and relationship preferences.
draven
Excuse typo “The Weeknd”.
gymmuscleboy
FFS! He is simply saying his sex is so good that nothing can stop a woman being attracted to him. It’s the same old message! There is nothing new here!
We do our community a disservice when we portray ourselves as a bunch of oversensitive spoilsports!
GayEGO
Abel Tesfaye must also be a bigot as the comment – “refers to seducing a queer woman to turn her straight” indicates!
iluvcakes
I think the gay community is far too sensitive.. the slightest thing and you want someone banned/destroyed. Without the rest of the lyrics how does one even know the context of the song? Yet many are already calling for boycotts? You will not win people over by strong arming them all the time.
Hell Carmen Carrera is publicly attacking Rupaul for not using the correct gender pronouns even though Ru made her career! Voice your concerns but learn to do so without the pedestal..