India.Arie’s Criticism of Megan Thee Stallion, Janelle Monáe’s Essence Fest

India.Arie’s Criticism of Megan Thee Stallion, Janelle Monáe’s Essence Fest Performances Sparks Debate. According to the ROOT.com. When you’re a Black woman in the entertainment industry, everyone has opinions on how you should act and present yourself. Even other Black women feel the need to chime in on your art. To that end, Neo-soul pioneer India.Arie sparked debate when she criticized the sexuality presented by Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe during their performances at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Toward the end of her set on Sunday, the “Savage” rapper invited a group of fans on stage to give them an expert lesson in twerking. Monáe, who was also criticized for flashing one of her breasts during her performance, played cheerleader from the side of the stage and everyone seemed to be having fun. Essence posted a short video of the moment on its Instagram page with the caption, “Hot girl bootcamp was in full effect last night. It’s @janellemonae with the encouragement for us.” While there were plenty of disapproving replies to the video, Arie’s IG post is getting the most attention. The issue is what is CONTEXT. Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE. No. is everything for KIDS? No. is everything for EVERY BODY?,” Arie wrote. “NO. so when we as a culture make something like this main stream ~ it shows a lack of discretion [and] discernment.” Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export—out Music—to show us in a respectful light,” she continued. “[I’d] like to go on the record saying : this wont age well and thats my issue. i LOVE Janelle and Meg the way i love us all—And i dont like this moment. Dont bother debating me lol idc and I DO this. For 25 yrs ive done THIS. so read ponder or dont.”