To wonder how an international superstar like Beyonce could let herself be pimped out like this.

[nothingofthesort]

Here.

I think it's disgusting.

Oh no Beyonce, you have let me down. I usually admire her. As diluted as her feminist politics might be and as commercialised as it all is, she's still pretty much the only mainstream star to tell women they can have a man and still dress how they want (and some of the posts on this thread are a case in point - a woman can dress any way she likes without prostituting herself or being considered cheap), earn their own money, and be in charge of their own sexual, economic and social identities.

But performing for a powerful Libyan at the expense of the Libyan people, - whether you're Beyonce, Timbaland, Usher, or John Bon Jovi, is either hideously naive (and ignorance is no excuse) or just plain vile.

It's a news story because she played a gig for a man who has quite a despicable history. Posing for photos with him legitimises him and what he does. The whole thing leaves a nasty taste.

From what I've read it was meant to be very hush hush.

It makes me sad really. I agree she will lose many fans over this.

as salaam wa alaykum

This says alot to me about her integrity, which is that she has very little of it, I hope she gets a good load of backlash from this, singing for someone who is paying her with stolen money

I think it's a good reminder of what 'showbiz' actually is. You are selling yourself, you are the product. It is a business. We see the bit where she is warbling pretty songs but that is only partly what doing the job is about. I mean, if she just wanted to warble pretty songs she could do that in her living room. People in her position want other things, they do want to 'market' their own selves and they do clearly have a huge need for pots and pots of cash

It's greatly surprising, isn't it, especially when you consider that everything Beyonce has so far done in her life has given one the impression that she is a philanthropic, demure, shy, retiring, modest, home-loving type for whom material comfort is but a minor consideration.

I bloody love Beyonce. But being a force of nature doesn't preclude you from making stupid decisions and doing twattish things.

"put a ring on it"? Put a flamin' sock in it more like.

i strongly suspect that she barely knows where libya is. let alone gave this transaction any serious thought beyond whether or not she wanted to exchange a performance for a sum of money.

good post gypsymummy - and quite right to point the finger of blame at him - for stealing from the Libyan people - not just at her for effectively, if thoughtlessly, condoning his theft.

I would like to reiterate the fact she did it does not mean much to me..she will probably lose many fans over this but I think the real reason for concern is how these people don't seem to care anymore ..i mean they always did leave live like this and always wasted the billions that are the right of the people but what makes me very concerned is the fact they don't care they are out in the air now ..just a few weeks ago the other brother was involved in domestic violence episode ( for the second time the first in Switzerland)here in the UK and it is mentioned in the news report referred to here and to think they aren't bothered is very worrying...they seem to be saying: nobody can stop us now..we have "the west" on our side so go stuff yourselves as we can do what we want'and it is true >> the elder son was invited to a hunting party with Peter Mandelson some time ago and henceforth..so there you are they are giving these people credibility and embracing them.

Well, Beyonce probably has about the same sophisticated understanding of international issues as the average sleb - fuck all. And I certainly don;t think it was big or clever of her to do the gig - but just do feel that she is being slated for it in a sexist way that (for instance) the likes of Robbie WIlliams or Elton John wouldn't be.

Here in Geneva this will only serve to reinforce the outrage felt this summer when the Swiss President, Merz apogised to Hannibal and his wife for arresting them after they allegedly assaulted two of their servants in a Geneva hotel. Story here

The two businessmen arrested in Tripoli are still in prison, they were sentenced in December to 16 months prison time for tax evasion.