‘Cancel Beyoncé’ trends as controversial shirt triggers fan outrage after Cowboy Carter Tour—Here’s why

Global music icon Beyoncé is facing significant backlash following her appearance at the Paris leg of her “Cowboy Carter” world tour, where she was photographed wearing a shirt depicting the Buffalo Soldiers, a controversial symbol in American history.

The 43-year-old pop star’s wardrobe choice has sparked criticism across social media platforms, particularly among her progressive fans, who have denounced the imagery and accompanying text on the shirt as historically insensitive and offensive to Indigenous communities, as mentioned in a report by Blast.

Shirt Reignites Debate Over Buffalo Soldiers’ Role in Indian Wars

The shirt in question features a tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African American troops who served in the U.S. military post-Civil War. While often remembered for their resilience and service in a segregated military, these soldiers also played a direct role in the Indian Wars—a series of violent campaigns aimed at suppressing Native American tribes during westward expansion.

What drew heightened scrutiny was the back of the shirt, which contained a passage referencing Native Americans, Mexican revolutionaries, and others as “enemies of peace, order and settlement.” The inclusion of such language prompted an immediate and emotional response online.

Fans Decry ‘Oversight’ and Accuse Star of Romanticizing Violence

Many fans took to social media to express disappointment in what they described as a “massive oversight.” One user commented, “Even with that context, I think it’s a poor quote to use. It’s not okay to insult Indigenous people in order to celebrate Black military history.”

Another wrote, “Not everything in Black history needs to be turned into a fashion statement,” pointing to the deep trauma associated with the Buffalo Soldiers’ deployment during colonial expansion.

Pattern of Controversial Decisions? Past Criticisms Resurface

This is not the first time Beyoncé has faced criticism for perceived cultural insensitivity. Critics have drawn attention to her 2023 performance in Dubai, a country where LGBTQ+ rights are heavily restricted, and questioned her alignment with progressive causes given such associations.

“This is the same artist who took millions for a private show in a country where it’s illegal to be gay and then turned around and branded her tour as a queer celebration,” one user noted.

Calls for Accountability, Not Cancellation

While some social media users have called for Beyoncé to be “canceled,” others have emphasized the need for accountability and historical awareness.

“I love her music, but she’s not above criticism,” a user remarked. “Selling merch that calls Indigenous people ‘enemies of peace’ is just wrong. Someone should have vetted that.”

At the time of this report, Beyoncé or her team has not issued a public statement in response to the criticism.

FAQs

Why is Beyoncé facing backlash after her Paris concert?

Beyoncé is under fire for wearing a shirt featuring the Buffalo Soldiers—a group of African American soldiers who also participated in the Indian Wars. The backlash stems from historical sensitivities, especially among Indigenous communities, due to the role these soldiers played in the violent suppression of Native American tribes.

What specifically about the shirt caused controversy?

The back of the shirt included a passage labeling Native Americans, Mexican revolutionaries, and others as “enemies of peace, order, and settlement.” Many fans found this language offensive and historically insensitive, especially in the context of American colonial expansion and Indigenous displacement.