Beyoncé gave birth to twins after a high-risk pregnancy. She developed toxemia and preeclampsia, had an emergency C-section, and described the delivery as extremely difficult. At one point (in her docu) saying one of her twins’ hearts stopped in the womb.
Less than a year later, she had about 8 months to prepare for Coachella. Rehearsals didn’t even fully ramp up until ~115 days before the show, and she was putting in 8–12 hour days while still recovering from major surgery. She lost 100 pounds and then stepped on that stage and delivered THE GREATEST coachella performance of all time.
In Homecoming, she made it very clear how physically and mentally intense that process was and that she would never push herself like that again.
And yet… look at the contrast. Men can get on stage unprepared, forget lyrics, sit down mid-performance, and it’s framed as “relatable,” “funny,” “he’s healing,” whatever narrative people want to spin that day.
But if a woman… especially someone like Beyoncé…showed up anything less than perfect? It wouldn’t be a joke. It would be “she’s washed,” “she doesn’t have it anymore,” “her career is over.”
Women in entertainment are expected to be superhuman AT ALL TIMES, even after literally risking their lives to give birth. Meanwhile, men are allowed to be mediocre in public and still be protected by the narrative.
Men should be stoned. The double standard is exhausting and it’s time we start being honest.