23 January 2023 , 14:27
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Beyoncé has finally returned to the stage for her first live performance in five years - but her latest concert has sparked mass debate on social media.
The American megastar headlined a private concert in Dubai to mark the opening of luxury hotel Atlantis The Royal.
Despite a strict no-phones policy at the exclusive, 1,500-seat gig, extensive footage of the private gig has flooded social media with thousands upon thousands of clips surfacing on Twitter and Instagram.
For those who were lucky enough to attend the much-talked-about concert, they were invited for 'an all-expenses-paid luxury weekend' that served as the unofficial opening of the venue, complete with a 'once in a lifetime performance'.
Concert-goers were given pouches to put their phones in ahead of the performance to ensure that nobody could film Beyoncé belt out some of her most iconic tunes including Crazy In Love and Single Ladies.
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Beyonce took to the stage for the first time in five years at the private Dubai concert (Getty Images for Atlantis The Ro)According to one lucky audience member, who took to social media to spill the beans on the gig, the bags were then branded with the resort's name and date.
Despite the strict no filming rules, images and videos of Beyoncé's spectacular show quickly appeared across social media.
Video footage of the exclusive show saw the singer perform several of her most recognisable songs, such as Countdown, and Halo.
Video footage of the performance has flooded social media - despite the strict no-phones rule (Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)Beyoncé's 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter, who she shared with husband Jay-Z, also joined her on stage to perform her 2019 hit track, Brown Skin Girl.
Despite the excitement around her Dubai performance, Bey's first concert in five years also sparked widespread controversy.
The hitmaker also teamed up with Kendall Jenner's tequila brand, 818, for the exclusive event.
It's believed that the 41-year-old earned an eye watering $24 million (£19.3 million) for her first performance since taking to the stage at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival.
It's believed that the 41-year-old earned an eye watering $24 million (£19.3 million) for her first performance (Getty Images for Atlantis The Ro)
Beyonce's private performance has leaked online (Getty Images for Atlantis The Ro)However, Bey is said not to have performed any music from her 2022 album, Renaissance which is said to be a love letter to Black and queer dance music pioneers.
LGBTQ+ people in Dubai face several legal challenges as homosexuality is illegal under Sharia law in the United Arab Emirates.
In Dubai, under Article 177 of the Penal Code of Dubai – those taking part in consensual sodomy (anal sex) can face up to 10 years behind bars.
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Co-founder of LGB Alliance, Bev Jackson has hit out at the star, claiming her performance "casts a shadow over her support for lesbians and gay people".
The American megastar has been widely criticised for the concert (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: "Beyoncé is a huge icon for many gay people.
"LGB Alliance is deeply therefore disappointed that Beyoncé has agreed to give a lucrative concert in Dubai, where same-sex sex acts are a criminal offence, potentially punishable by death."
Meanwhile, RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Kitty Scott-Claus took to Twitter to explain her fury, writing: "Hi I have a question.. can someone explain why everyone was cancelling David Beckham the other month but now celebrating Beyoncé for performing in Dubai? One rule for one and one for another?"
"Both paid millions to turn a blind eye and promote a barbaric regime. £20mn in Beyonce's case… same energy," fumed one follower.
Beyonce's first gig in five years was an invite-only affair (Getty Images for Atlantis The Ro)While a second went on to add: "Not to mention that Kylie was questioned for doing the exact same thing as Beyoncé just did. Some just don't face scrutiny I guess."
Elsewhere, the likes of Kim Kardashian's friend Jonathan Cheben, Michelle Keegan, Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Liam Payne, Eleanor Calder and influencer Alex Carmichael were in attendance at the event.
The Mirror has approached Beyoncé's representatives for comment.