The Weeknd (real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) has come under fire for homophobic lyrics in new song Lost in the Fire.
The 28-year-old singer features on the track from French DJ Gesaffelstein, released on Friday (11 January).
In the song, Tesfaye sings about not wanting to lose a girl.
He then sings the lyrics: ‘You said you might be into girls. You said you’re going through a phase, keeping your heart safe. Well, baby, you can bring a friend. She can ride on top [of] your face, while I fuck you straight.’
LGBTI backlash
There has been some backlash, with people saying it deligitimizes the experiences of queer and bisexual women.
In response, LGBTI writer Jill Gutowitz tweeted: ‘The lyrics from [The Weeknd’s] new song “lost in the fire” are actually fucking vile. In 2019 we’re still doing “fuck you straight” and calling female queerness a “phase?”‘
i used to joke that listening to The Weeknd was homophobic but the lyrics from his new song “lost in the fire” are actually fucking vile. in 2019 we’re still doing “fuck you straight” and calling female queerness a “phase?” pic.twitter.com/xDH3fnNrZv
— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) January 11, 2019
Another social media user wrote: ‘have i missed something or are we just pretending the weeknd doesn’t have a hugely homophobic verse in lost in the fire? like this isn’t even nitpicking it is literal homophobia?’
Then another tweeted: ‘The ignorance and blatant homophobia displayed by his lyrics is disgusting.’
The Weeknd has not publicly addressed the criticisms of the new track.
Tesfaye has won three Grammy Awards, eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards and has been nominated for one Academy Award.
He is currently dating model Bella Hadid.
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