Dua Lipa ‘horrified’ as LGBT fans removed from China concert for rainbow flags

Sep 13 2018
Written by Ella Braidwood

WANTAGH, NY – JUNE 16: Dua Lipa performs at 103.5 KTU’s KTUphoria on June 16, 2018 in Wantagh City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for 103.5 KTU)

Popstar Dua Lipa has thanked fans for feeling “safe enough to show your pride” at her concert in Shanghai, China, after some gig-goers were reportedly removed by staff for waving rainbow flags.

Following Lipa’s performance on Wednesday night (September 12), attendees posted videos on social media, which appeared to show security guards forcibly removing a number of fans.

Although some social media users have said that fans were ejected because of “safety concerns”—as some venues in the country do not allow fans to stand up during performances—others have accused security of removing guests because they were waving Pride flags.

Lipa posted a statement on Instagram after the controversy at her Shanghai show. (dualipa/Instagram)

“What happened in Dua Lipa concert in Shanghai is so wrong,” one social media user wrote.

“She had to wear a long glove to cover her tatoo [sic], and her fans were violently beaten up and dragging out from the concert for standing up or displaying a rainbow flag.”

In one video, Lipa looks visibly upset by the incident as she sings on stage.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lipa said she was “horrified by what happened,” adding: “I send love to all my fans involved.”

She added: “I would love to come back for my fans when the time is right and hopefully see a room full of rainbows.”

Several fans were violently put down & carried out tonight on Dua Lipa concert in Shanghai China, because they weren’t allowed to stand up due to “safety concerns”, which is a common concert rule in China, but this time its gone too far pic.twitter.com/WBLLXIUIDT

— XtinaLiberationTourSoon (@L1beratonXtina) September 12, 2018

The 23-year old star is currently touring through Asia, with further dates in the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The “New Rules” singer also said in her post: “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. What you did takes a lot of bravery.

“I always want my music to bring strength, hope and unity.”