Lil Nas X recently faced a lot of criticism on social media after he tweeted: “where do the gays be in africa i wanna come there.” Moreover, this is not like his typical funny tweets, like ones responding to claims that he’s fake gay. Rather, this message has a particularly difficult context, as Uganda just passed brutal and discriminatory anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. Furthermore, simply identifying as anything other than straight male or straight female could land citizens in prison for ten years. In fact, it’s one of the most sweeping and damaging anti-gay laws in the world, and many are criticizing the MONTERO artist for his comment.
However, this isn’t the first time in recent memory that Nas X caught himself in hot water. For example, he recently apologized for making a joke about gender transitions on Twitter, where he posted a picture of him in a more feminine look. While backlash was swift, his apology also angered many as he seemed to respond out of anger to critics. “Apologies to the trans community,” he wrote before telling someone unhappy with his apology to “eat [his] a**.” “I def handled that situation with anger instead of considering why it was not cool. much love to you guys. sorry.”
Lil Nas X’s Inflammatory Tweet About “Gays” In Africa
Still, regardless of that spat, this tweet points to a timelier and much more dangerous issue of LGBTQIA+ discrimination across a whole country. Not only could citizens face for ten years for their identity, but citizens face imprisonment for life or even a death sentence for non-heterosexual acts of intimacy and “aggravated homosexuality.” As someone who typically champions and defends the community, many expressed disappointment in Lil Nas X’s comment.
Meanwhile, it’s unclear if that tweet was in response to said legislation or if the “INDUSTRY BABY” is unaware of the tweet’s unfortunate timing. In any case, he has yet to respond to these criticism as of writing this article. Also, this heat comes just days after his Lollapalooza performance, where he played unreleased music and seemed to have a good time. Hopefully, he can clear up his intentions with this tweet and avoid putting his foot in his mouth in the future. If not, it will be hard for many fans to see him on stage. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Nas X.