Dua Lipa left in tears as fans forcibly removed from Chinese show ‘for waving rainbow flags’
The singer was left in tears after the shocking scenes in Shanghai
By Will Stroude
Dua Lipa says she is “horrified” after some of her fans were forcibly removed from her show in Shanghai, China.
Footage shared on social media show several concert-goers being violently dragged out of the venue while the ‘One Kiss’ singer performed on stage.
Some witnesses reported that audience members had been removed for dancing and waving rainbow flags. Homesexuality is not illegal in China, but conservative attitudes and censorship remain commonplace.
Dua, 23, appeared visibily upset and on the verge of tears during the show at Shanghai’s National Exhibition Centre.
At @DUALIPA ‘s shanghai tour, few people been kicked out by the safeguard because they’re waving Rainbow Flag #Dualipa #LGBT pic.twitter.com/3zhWXnaadK
— SubwaySucker (@dr_jolin) September 12, 2018
She told the crowd: “I want to create a really safe environment for us all to have fun. I want us all to dance. I want us all to sing, I want us all to just have a really good time.
“I would love in these last few songs for us to really, really, really enjoy ourselves. How about that?”
Dua Lipa Cried In Shanghai China Tonight pic.twitter.com/Tz17SRGpiH
— Liability (@958353005) September 12, 2018
I just CANT believe it. This is the show of Dua Lipa in Shanghai. All the fans are forbidden to stand out and could only sit on to see the show?!? If you don’t, the guard would use violence to kick u out. It’s unbelievable… #dualipa pic.twitter.com/quITZNLVxU
— Ｎｅｏ (@imneo_) September 12, 2018
The day after the show Dua – who is currently on the Asian leg of her year-long world tour – tweeted her solidarity with fans, saying she hoped she could return to Shanghai “when the time is right” and see “a room full of rainbows.”
The two-time Brit Award winner tweeted on Thursday (13 September): “I will stand by you all for your love and beliefs and I am proud and grateful that you felt safe enough to show your pride at my show.
“What you did takes a lot of bravery.”
Shanghai ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mxLHxj2Y3y
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) September 13, 2018
She continued: I always want my music to bring strength, hope and unity. I was horrified by what happened and I send love to all my fans involved.
“I would love to come back for my fans when the time is right and hopefully see a room full of rainbows.
“I love you Shanghai.”