Beyonce Pays Tribute To Fan O’Shae Sibley Who Was Murdered After Dancing To Her Song At Gas Station

Beyonce paid tribute to O’Shae Sibley, who was murdered in New York City at a gas station after voguing to her music. 

A message that reads, “Rest in power O’Shae Sibley” was posted by the singer on her official website.

Sibley was killed at a Brooklyn gas station Sunday night. He was a professional choreographer and dancer who was voguing to “Renaissance” with his friends in the car. Several men approached the group and attempted to get them to stop dancing by using anti-gay slurs. Sibley told these men that “there is nothing wrong with being gay” and asked them to stop using such hateful language. 

An altercation occurred, which resulted in Sibley being stabbed. He was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center where doctors later pronounced him dead. 

The incident was filmed by one of Sibley’s friends, Otis Pena, where the fight can be seen in a post on Facebook Live. 

Voguing originated from the ballroom scene in the 1980s in New York City. Beyonce’s Renaissance album videos feature black men voguing. She is known to be an LGBTQ community advocate, and Renaissance celebrates black queerness. 

No arrests have been made in the murder, but police are still investigating the case as a possible hate crime. 

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company paid their respects to Sibley by posting a photo of him dancing with the following statement: “The Ailey organization mourns the tragic death of O’Shae Sibley, following an attack outside of a Brooklyn gas station on Saturday night. O’Shae was a cherished and devoted Ailey Extension student. He had incredible energy in the studio and was loved by instructors and fellow classmates. We are shocked and heartbroken that O’Shae’s life has been taken by senseless violence and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.” 

New York’s State Senator Brad Hoylman-Signal, who is openly gay, spoke out about the incident on Twitter writing, “Heartbroken and enraged to learn about O’Shae Sibley’s death this weekend in New York. Despite homophobes’ best efforts, gay joy is not crime. Hate-fueled attacks are.”