Little Mix stormed the stage at a Dubai show after they performed LGBTQ+ song Secret Love Song underneath a rainbow flag, despite homosexuality being illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
Over the weekend, the group, made up of Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson, made a stand with their dramatic performance.
Fans were left in awe of the girl group, hailing them “fearless queens” for the bold move.
One user wrote: “I never liked Little Mix. Probably my least favourite girl group ever. But the things they do for the LGBTQ community and for women is phenomenal.”
Another added: “Fearless queens I stan."
“This should be an enough reason that they are out there being the girl group who really speaks up and use their platform to spread messages and be that symbol of hope and empowerment. My ladies aren’t just showing off their talents their really out there using it for A CAUSE,” tweeted a third.
However, others branded the move “disrespectful” to the country, and demanded an apology.
One fan said: “Tbh this isn't a "good" reason to stan LM I'm a big fan of them and I support LGBTQ and I’m also Muslim but I think that what they did was super disrespectful for Muslims and the country they performed. I think the girls should apologise for this tbh.” [sic]
“I’m not ignoring human rights matter fact I love the girls but Dubai is a Muslim country at least respect the Muslims,” added another.
The group have previously told how the song centres around a forbidden LGBTQ relationship.
In 2015, Thirlwall confirmed it on the group’s account, admitting she was “so happy” fans had picked up on it.
She later encouraged supporters to “be who you are” adding that the song meant “more than usual” during their time as support acts for Ariana Grande on the Dangerous Woman tour.
They also dedicated it to the 49 victims of the Orlando Pulse gay nightclub shooting which took place a year later.
The group are yet to comment on the mixed response.
