Ella Henderson slammed after Tory Conference performance: ‘girl, do better’
Many have taken issue with the 'Ghost' singer performing at the conference given the party's recent history with the LGBTQ community.
Ella Henderson has been blasted on social media after performing at the Conservative Party Conference.
Videos of the ‘Ghost’ singer performing at the event in Birmingham began circulating online after the performance on Tuesday (4 October)
Many people took issue with the singer attending the conference given her frequent appearances at Pride events across the UK this summer, where she has often took time to discuss support for the LGBTQ community.
In August, the singer posted after her performance at Brighton Pride writing: “Words don’t & won’t ever describe the love I have for the LGBTQ+ community!!!”
“You are all forever a part of me & in my heart!! I promise to do everything I can with my platform & voice to create awareness, cultivate change & mostly spread love, light & equality in honour of each & every one of you!” Ella Henderson continued.
A common point that has been highlighted in the criticism is that the performance follows reports that the Health Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, rejected advice from medical experts to procure more doses of the monkeypox vaccine.
The monkeypox outbreak has predominantly affected men who have sex with men. As of Monday (3 October), a UKSHA report states there were 3,654 total confirmed and highly probable monkeypox cases detected
Addressing this point one person wrote, “Like girl, do better,” directed at Henderson.
It also comes after Prime Minister Liz Truss’ predecessor, Boris Johnson, dropped plans to implement a ‘conversion therapy’ ban before hastily backtracking in the wake of public outcry.
The government then chose to exclude trans people from a ban.
Someone else tweeted a modified screenshot of a 2011 tweet from Rihanna which reads: “Good luck with bookin that regional pride gig u speak of”.
That was accompanied by the caption: “gays to Ella Henderson after her Tory conference performance”
Another person said: “DISAPPOINTED is an understatement,” and lamented, “I’ve supported her since X Factor and she’s my most listened to Spotify artist. My sister walked down the aisle to one of her songs.”
The event Ella Henderson performed at was hosted by Tik Tok and UK Music. In a statement provided to Attitude. Tik Tok and UK Music said she was meant to have performed at the earlier Labour Party Conference as well but had to pull out due to illness.
“These events do not indicate political affiliation and are held to highlight the importance of the UK’s music sector and the success of our talent on a global stage,” it continued.