Eyewitnesses at the gig last week said fans were removed from the venue for waving pro-gay rights flags
The security guards responsible for allegedly removing fans by force from Dua Lipa’s Shanghai gig have been detained by police, according to reports.
The show, which took place last week (September 12) saw fans “dragged out” of the venue for waving rainbow flags. Homosexuality isn’t illegal in China, but LGBTQ+ groups reportedly face persecution and widespread marginalisation within society.
Qingpu police have said two security guards, known as 22-year-old Zhu and 20-year-old Nai, had argued with and beat members of the audience during Lipa’s gig. They have been given a 10-day detention, while the security company they worked for has been ordered to take steps to prevent other incidents like it happening again.
After the show, Lipa issued a statement to her fans. “Last night, I did it for my fans,” she wrote. “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.
Shanghai ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mxLHxj2Y3y
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) September 13, 2018
“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.”
Video footage from the concert appeared to show the singer in tears as she addressed fans from the stage.
Meanwhile, Lipa recently released a new track in the form of Silk City collaboration ‘Electricity’. The ’90s house-influenced song was co-written by The xx’s Romy Madley-Croft, along with Silk City’s Mark Ronson and Diplo.
Be the first to comment