The singer, 38, told her 5.6million followers she had landed the podcast gig in recent days
(Picture: @CherylOfficial)Cheryl has become embroiled in a race row after she announced she is hosting an R&B BBC Sounds podcast.
The singer, 38, told her 5.6million followers she had landed the podcast gig in recent days.
Social media was buzzing with a race storm; people said the decision was “tone deaf”, “disappointing” and even sensationally claimed producers “ignored all the black UK artists who could have hosted the show”.
I’ve always had an absolute love and passion for R&B and I’m so excited to share my new show with you on @BBCSounds, I’ve really been transported back re-listening to all these tracks and I’m excited for you to relive those moments with me. Episode 1 is live now 🎧🎶🗣❣️ pic.twitter.com/0KBZJtTZQo
— Cheryl (@CherylOfficial) August 27, 2021
Among the comments, one person wrote: “Really disappointed in @BBCSounds in an age where we are calling for more people of colour you choose an out dated pop star to present this show.”
Others wrote: “There are many other people who have a strong lassion for RnB and have supported RnB artists that would have been better suited for this. Last time I checked, Trevor Nelson is still alive and breathing.”
“Wth is this rubbish @BBCSounds ?? Of all the R&B artists in this U.K. you pick Cheryl who doesn’t even do R&B Lol absolute joke.”
@BBCSounds producers ignoring all the black UK artists who could have hosted this show... pic.twitter.com/0bbZkraPsw
— Mikhail T (@mjtfreeze) August 31, 2021
“Its (sic) not your place as white woman to speak on black matters. mind your damn business.”
Some defended Cheryl amid the social media storm.
They wrote: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BLACK TO ENJOY RNB MUSIC and YOU DON’T HAVE TO MAKE RNB MUSIC TO BE ALLOWED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR LOVE FOR IT.”
Honestly? This is so tone deaf and insulting.
— 🇧🇧 AlwaysRising 🇯🇲 (@Libran_Phoenix) August 31, 2021
“The best person for the job is the best person for the job, regardless of colour.”
“Everyone in the comments needs to leave her alone!”
A BBC spokesperson told The Standard: “We feature a wide range of voices spanning different genres across our extensive music output. Many of our shows are fronted by DJs who are experts in their fields, others are hosted by people with a passion for their topic.
Everyone in the comments needs to leave her alone!
— . (@BURNAaccBOY) August 31, 2021
Poor girl’s just trying to get a new surname 🤧
“Cheryl’s You, Me and R&B shares personal stories from her youth, soundtracked by her favourite genre.”
The Standard has approached Cheryl’s representatives for comment.
