Beyonce and Jay-Z are no strangers to controversy, and the latest drama involves their hit song “Drunk in Love.” The track, which was released back in 2013 and lifted off Bey’s self-titled album, features a controversial line that references Ike Turner’s abuse of Tina Turner, where Jay raps, “I am Ike Turner…Baby know I don’t play. Now eat the cake, Anna Mae. Said, eat the cake, Anna Mae.” Many fans of the late icon are now blasting both Jay and Beyonce for referencing her past abuse after Turner’s death on Wednesday.
Beyonce and Jay-Z are known for their musical prowess and thought-provoking lyrics. However, in this case, fans on social media have all of a sudden made it an issue, saying the couple may have crossed the line. The “eat the cake, Anne Mae” lyric is a clear reference to a scene from the movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” in which her husband Ike Turner forces her to eat cake while he abuses her. Turner fans are understandably upset by this reference, though it doesn’t explain why it would take 10 years to make it an issue. Many feel that it is disrespectful to Turner and her legacy, while some have even gone so far as to call out Beyonce and Jay for their lack of sensitivity toward domestic violence survivors.
Beyoncé putting up a Tina Turner post/tribute when she literally said, “Eat the cake Anna Mae” on one of her biggest songs is wild. https://t.co/OnegOmg0b6
— ❄️🗝️ (@DiaryOfKeysus) May 25, 2023
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It’s important to note that Beyonce has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and empowerment throughout her career. However, Turner’s fans seem to think that this particular line seems to have missed the mark. While it’s possible that Beyonce and Jay-Z didn’t intend to offend anyone, the fact remains that many people are hurt by the reference now that Turner has passed away.
The world woke up to the sad news of Tina Turner’s passing on Wednesday, at the age of 83. The iconic singer and performer died at her home in Switzerland. Fans and friends around the world mourned her death and paid tribute to her incredible legacy in the music industry. Known for her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and signature moves, Turner was an inspiration to generations of musicians and fans.
RELATED: Beyonce Pays Tribute To Tina Turner After Her Passing: ‘I’m So Grateful For Your Inspiration’
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, she rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner. She later launched a successful solo career that spanned several decades and produced hits like “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Proud Mary.” Her music and performances broke barriers and defied expectations, earning her numerous awards and accolades over the years.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout her life, Turner remained a resilient and determined figure. She retired from performing in 2009 after a final tour but continued to inspire and influence artists around the world.
See some of the reactions below:
Oprah yes. Beyoncé who allowed her husband to have that “eat the cake Anna Mae” line on Drunk in Love? Then calling herself a feminist a few tracks later? Nope
— esoteric spice (@kiwidrank) May 25, 2023
Never forget Beyoncé and her husband made fun of Tina turners domestic abuse on drunk in love with the line “eat the cake, ani mae “
Alluding to Beyoncé likes to eat jay z brown bootyhole and tina turners abuse— SAM (@midnight_sam13) May 24, 2023
Hey quick question @Beyonce …. Why did you approve the “eat the cake Anna Mae” line in drunk in love. Was that love to use a line about her abuse for commercial consumption? https://t.co/CQEkg3eaWv
— BIDI BIDI BUM BUM (@layla_job) May 24, 2023
As a fan of hip hop in its entirety, why did Jay Z say eat the cake Anna Mae? Let alone on a song with Beyoncé who idolizes her
— That Rabbit Guy (@Son_ImSleep) May 24, 2023
Still crazy how Beyoncé husband put “eat the cake Anna Mae” on one of her biggest song 💀💀
— bottega mami (@bigpeacch) May 25, 2023
Can’t believe Anna Mae had to live through 50 yrs of other celebrities making a spectacle of her domestic abuse. I remember watching performances of Drunk In Love & being shocked how Beyoncé was smiling so lovingly at Jay when he said “eat the cake” instead of looking disgusted💔
— Kréyol Polyglotte (En AAE LC De Fr It Es Hu) (@CreolePolyglot) May 25, 2023
Hopefully Beyoncé will FINALLY remove the “Eat the cake Ana Mae” line from Drunk In Love. It’s not a compliment. If you’ve seen the movie than you know… #AnnaMaeBullock #RIPTinaTurner
— Kwabena Boateng (@startedwithswag) May 25, 2023