By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Just a few days after reports circulated that actor Harry Belafonte feels like Jay-Z and Beyonce don’t do enough for their communities and lack social responsibility, it appears that the usually quiet Beyonce camp has responded. As we recently reported, Belafonte went on record about his disappointment in the younger generation of celebrities for what he perceives to be their lack of involvement in serious issues that plague our country and communities. During this admission, he specifically mentioned Jay-Z and Beyonce by name. He spoke about that famous couple and painted them as selfish celebrities who refuse to use their massive fortunes for real causes. Although Beyonce is usually mum on public criticism regarding her image and financial doings, the singer and her camp have chosen to respond to the accusations Harry Belafonte has made regarding what he calls a lack of effort on Beyonce’s part to do something good for mankind. Here’s the response:
In response to Belafonte’s words, Beyonce’s representative emailed what she called “An abbreviated list of the unselfish work Beyoncé has done and continues to do.” The list included co-founding The Survivor Foundation “a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston”; donating “100K in 2008 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund to aid Texas victims of Hurricane Ike”; performing in “MTV’s Hope For Haiti Now! Benefit in addition to making a generous monetary donation,” among many other charitable activities.
As we reported earlier, Belafonte said the following regarding a lack of social responsibility when it comes to celebrities in this day and age:
It is sad. And I think one of the great abuses of this modern time is that we should have had such high-profile artists, powerful celebrities. But they have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay-Z and Beyonce, for example. Give me Bruce Springsteen, and now you’re talking. I really think he is black.
Get em Bey. He should’ve kept his mouth closed. Acting like Kerri Hilson’s ole biter a–.
Yeah. Bey definitely has a new publicist. I’m glad she stopped being so quiet when other celebs come for her in the media. And Harry should know better. You never make these kinds of claims without first doing your research. Now he looks like a hater.
I respect him for all he’s accomplished but he was way out of line. You have to either be bitter or living under a rock if you’ve never heard of Jay and Bey doing things in the community.
I still don’t understand why people keep coming after Jay-Z and Beyonce. It constant and sad, especially coming from a legend like Harry. But he’s known for being outspoken, so I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised.
LOL so what. She still only gives back when it’s a PR opportunity. Harry was right. Social Responsibility is fighting for things before a relief fund is needed. Fail.
I’m glad she responded. I never understood why she never said anything either when people bad mouthed her to the press. Good for her.
Still can’t believe he said this. Beyonce’s works in the community aren’t hidden. It’s kind of like he just threw in their names for his own personal reasons. Silly.
Harry better watch his back. The Beyhive is looking for him. lmbo
Eh she didn’t have to respond to him. Most people knew he was reaching, except for the people who didn’t like her to begin with. They’ll believe anything bad about this woman and her husband.
Agreed.
But you have to admit, that list of “charitable” activities sounds pretty reactive – as in, she got involved after the fact. What causes did she support before the tragic events took place? I think that’s Harry’s point. I have always liked DC and Beyonce, but she does seem kind of selfish, especially since she’s been married to Jay-Z. A Diva is a female version of a Hustla.