Fans slam Beyoncé and Jay-Z for their 'vile and horrific' Tina Turner reference
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been criticised by some fans for their 'vile and horrific' Tina Turner reference in one of their hit songs.
The music world was shocked by the news of the late singer, who passed away at the age of 83, on Wednesday (24 May).
Turner died 'peacefully' after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, her publicist, Bernard Doherty, said.
“With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,” a statement from Mr Doherty read.
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“With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations.”
A statement posted on Turner’s official Instagram also read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow.
“Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
Amongst millions of other fans, Beyoncé also paid tribute to the late singer, writing on Instagram: "I'm so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way.
"You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain.
"Thankyou for all you have done."
Despite posting a tribute, the 'Single Ladies' singer, along with her hubby, have been criticised for lyrics referencing Turner in their 2013 hit, 'Drunk In Love'.
Jay raps: "I'm Ike, Turner, turn up / Baby no I don't play / Now eat the cake, Anna Mae / I said eat the cake, Anna Mae."
The lyric references the moment Turner was in a diner with her abusive ex-husband, Ike Turner, and when fans asked for her autograph and not his, he allegedly forced cake in her mouth saying: "Eat the cake, Anna Mae!"
The scene was also replicated in the 1993 biopic, What's Love Got to Do With It.
Some fans were not pleased after learning of the reference, as one person tweeted: "I still can't get over Jay-Z saying 'eat the cake Anna Mae, eat the cake' on 'Drunk In Love'.
"When I found out that it was reference to Ike forcing Tina to eat literal cake..a damn shame..."
A second penned: "Still mad at beyonce and jay z for that tina turner abuse reference... I love Bey but she rubs me the wrong way sometimes. How is Tina Turner one of your biggest inspirations but you were ok with Jay Z using that line in Drunk in Love..."
UNILAD has contacted Beyoncé and Jay-Z's reps for comment.
Anish Vij