Entertainment
Black Eyed Peas wore rainbow armbands in Poland to send ‘unmistakeable message’ that ‘queer rights are human rights’-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro
Will.i.am has recalled their bold performance on state-owned TV in a NYE special.
Black Eyed Peas are unapologetically LGBTQ+ allies
Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am has reflected on their controversial performance on Polish TV earlier this year, where they wore rainbow armbands.
The Where Is The Love? hitmakers sparked an outcry among government officials when they appeared on Polish state broadcaster PVT for their New Year’s Eve of Dreams programme to perform live from the ski resort of Zakopane.
Each member of the group – will.i.am, Apl.de.ap, J. Rey Soul and Taboo – wore rainbow armbands as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, with around 8.3million viewers watching in Poland.
However, it was a controversial move as while homosexuality is legal in Poland and has been since 1932, the community continues to face challenges. According to ILGA-Europe’s 2022 report, the status of LGBTQ+ rights in Poland is the worst among European Union countries.
Ahead of the elections in 2019 and 2020, President Andrzej Duda is said to have used anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in his campaign to win votes, according to the BBC.
Black Eyed Peas’ performance was heavily condemned by Polish politicians, with one branding it a disgrace.
The Peas took a bold stance in support of the LGBTQ+ community by wearing rainbow armbands when they performed on Polish TV (Picture: EPA)
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Looking back at the reaction, will.i.am told Metro.co.uk ahead of the group’s Brighton Pride performance: ‘It was important to us that the live audience and the fans watching the New Year’s Eve show on TV understood that while the event was being broadcast by a state-owned network, that the position of the government leaders about LGBTQ+ issues were NOT shared by us.
‘Wearing armbands to show our position, which we did in consultation with the network’s executives, was our way of sending a clear message – we love all our fans and believe that everyone should be free to love whoever they choose without government interference or suppression.’
Will.i.am, 48, noted that the band has seen ‘concerning conversations’ about the TV network’s policies – TVP has contributed towards the ruling national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party’s campaign against what it calls ‘LGBT ideology’ over the years – but the musician wanted to make it clear that Black Eyed Peas were not there as ‘representatives from the government’.
He did admit that with the network being state-owned, there ‘may have been some influence from the government’.
The Let’s Get It Started hitmaker went on to explain the group’s intention with the show of unity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Taboo, will.i.am, and APL.DE.AP will be proudly flying the rainbow flag at Brighton Pride in August (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Wearing rainbow armbands on stage was our way of sending a very clear, unmistakable message: that Black Eyed Peas stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, that queer rights are human rights, and that we do not agree with any government policies that allow some citizens to be treated differently, have fewer rights, or be put in harm’s way, whether that is based on sexuality, gender, race, ability, or country of origin,’ he stated.
The Voice UK judge also claimed that the TV network was ‘fully aware before the show’ that they would be wearing the rainbow armbands.
It’s no secret that the Black Eyed Peas are all about spreading love and positivity, even if others don’t share the same views.
‘Just because someone isn’t exactly like you and doesn’t share your same beliefs does not make it wrong – it’s different, and a world filled with people who are different is what keeps it interesting. Embrace the differences!’ will.i.am said.
The pop hitmakers are gearing up for their performance at Brighton Pride on August 5 and will.i.am has promised it will be a ‘fun, upbeat and positive experience for everyone, free to express themselves’.
‘We are looking forward to it,’ he concluded.
Black Eyed Peas will be headlining Brighton Pride on Saturday, August 5 with Zara Larsson, Mae Muller and Jax Jones among the acts set to perform.
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