Patti LaBelle has no filter. The diva is known for her surprising antics onstage and her tendency for being extra at all times. The public loves her for that. Some of her fans were left disappointed by her appearance at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony, however. When presenting Ariana Grade, the Labelle used an interesting term to describe the pop star.
She started with the type of praise for Grande’s voice, unsurprising compliments.
“I’m thrilled to be among so many wonderful friends to present this year’s ultimate honor to Billboard’s Woman of the Year. A young woman who has it all. She’s soulful, strong, and she’s just sensational. She’s all that and a bag of chips. She’s a giant talent who sings from the heart, as I learned when we sang together at the White House for President Obama and Mrs. Obama. She tore it down. Honestly, she can sing her face off.”
Then things turned awkward.
“She asked me some questions one time. Remember when we did the President’s stuff? And you said, ‘Patti, what should I do?’ I said sing like that little white/Black girl that you are. She got soul like a mug!” she said to Arianna, “My son told me not to say that, but it’s true.”
“Your son was probably right,” Grande replied
Per usual social media had quite a bit to say, mostly over dramatic things, peep some of the Twitter reactions along with a clip of Patti’s comment below:
The joke that Ariana Grande is a “black queen” is not only disrespectful and tasteless but old and tired. She’s a talented singer but also incredibly problematic. The fact that Patti Labelle called her a “white black girl” is beyond disappointing. Just call her soulful and cut it pic.twitter.com/EnkgwfXnCY
— Just Jade (@Jadie_Padie) December 7, 2018
legend patti labelle called this soul? she needs her hearing aid checked. love ariana but she’s not this soul singer y’all are trying to make her out to be. that’s OK, it’s an observation not a criticism. she has a lane, let’s let her stay in it. https://t.co/bGKxMIdosQ
— ً (@breepeng) December 7, 2018
patti labelle called ariana a white black girl…. black twitter is in shambles
— festive little bitch™️ (@portugueseIove) December 7, 2018
"she’s doing blackface'' patti labelle called ariana a white black girl i bet y’all mad now
— kelly (@fairsbieber) December 7, 2018
Patti labelle called Ariana a black girl. She basically has the n word pass now. Period
— eli (@bestIife) December 7, 2018
