Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana stirred controversy during his recent Atlantic City, New Jersey performance. Concertgoers were taken aback when Santana interrupted his music to launch into what many described as a vehement anti-trans rant.
Celebrities Are Using Their Platforms To Spread Their Personal Beliefs
The footage of his remarks, authenticated by online music magazine Consequence of Sound, has shocked fans and reignited the debate over celebrities using their platform to spread their personal beliefs.
Santana said to the crowd, “When God made you and me before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are.”
He continued, “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things and start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
“Very Disturbing and Seemed To Come Out of Nowhere”
While the origin of this sentiment remains unclear, Santana also supported comedian Dave Chappelle during his outburst, referring to him as his “brother.”
Chappelle had previously labeled himself as “Team TERF” during a Netflix special in 2021, causing its share of controversies.
Concertgoers were left baffled by this unexpected interlude. A fan relayed their experience to Consequence of Sound, saying Santana’s commentary was “very disturbing and seemed to come out of nowhere.”
“Carlos Santana Stopped and Spent a Solid 15 Minutes Spouting the Most Insane Anti-Trans Rubbish I’ve Maybe Ever Heard”
Meanwhile, a user shared their shock on Reddit: “I went to see Santana tonight in Atlantic City with my parents, my partner, and her mom. Super stoked. One song in, though, Carlos Santana stopped and spent a solid 15 minutes spouting the most insane anti-trans rubbish I’ve maybe ever heard… Thought music (especially with this history) was supposed to bring us together.”
Such an unexpected detour made many in the audience uncomfortable. Another Reddit user added, “I was there too. It was very uncomfortable, especially the guy shouting Amen throughout. It was weird that he went on about how we are all special and unique after.”
In response to the mounting backlash, Santana released a statement to Billboard, emphasizing his “respect” for individual beliefs.
“I Want to Honor and Respect All People’s Ideals and Beliefs Whether They Are LGBTQ or Not”
He mentioned, “I want to honor and respect all people’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will, and we have all been given this gift.”
He further added, “It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace.” However, fans were quick to notice that Santana failed to retract or apologize for his anti-trans remarks.
Santana’s unsolicited opinions on transgender individuals are not an isolated incident.
Spreading Misleading Information About Gender-Affirming Care
Recently, artists like Ne-Yo and Alice Cooper have also been accused of carrying out anti-trans sentiments, most notably spreading misleading information about gender-affirming care.
Such statements from influential figures are particularly relevant considering the current political climate in the U.S.
Over the past months, several states have pushed for or passed anti-trans legislation, aiming to limit gender-affirming care for trans youth.
Despite these political maneuvers arguing the risks involved, pro-trans activists state that peer-reviewed research opposes these claims.
Santana’s Sudden Anti-Trans Rant Stands in Stark Contrast to His Legacy as a Musician
Activists point to numerous studies demonstrating that gender-affirming care significantly reduces depression and suicidality among transgender children.
Carlos Santana’s sudden anti-trans rant stands in stark contrast to his legacy as a musician.
Many fans are grappling with their feelings toward the legendary guitarist, questioning whether they can separate the artist from his views.
While Santana’s musical contributions remain influential, such divisive remarks may force some to reevaluate their relationship with the artist’s work.
The post Carlos Santana’s Dark Turn – His Disturbing Anti-Trans Tirade Shocks Fans Mid-Concert! first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Geoffrey Clowes. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: Consequence