Representatives
for Beyoncé Knowles have responded to the backlash that arose after the
singer was absent at the British MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards on Sept.
20.The
former Destiny’s Child frontwoman nabbed three MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards,
but fans reportedly expressed disappointment at the singer’s absence at the show
by booing when presenters announced her final win for Best International Female
artist.The
singer was allegedly in London at the time but did not attend the event. However,
her presence at recent European events has caused fans to believe that she snubbed
the awards. When
Beyoncé’s boyfriend, rapper Jay-Z, performed at Wembley Arena Saturday
night (Sept. 23), he brought out former foe Nas and Beyoncé, who performed
"Crazy in Love" and "Déjà vu." The
singer was also seen at the Emporio Armani One Night Only Fashion show at Earls
Court as part of London Fashion Week.Beyoncé’s
father and manager, Mathew Knowles, contends that the MOBO’s itself was booed,
not Beyoncé. "Beyoncé
was never scheduled to be at the MOBO Awards. Never! Her schedule simply would
not allow it," he stated. Fans
that purchased tickets to see American artists at the MOBO’s were reportedly disenchanted
that Beyoncé didn’t even prepare a taped acceptance speech. Knowles
said that the organizers of the MOBO Awards knew Beyoncé would not be able
to make an appearance due to heavy scheduling, and that fans were misled by British
press to believe that Beyoncé would be there."Fans
who paid their money to see Beyoncé and other U.S. artists that won multiple
awards were frustrated with the MOBO’s after Beyoncé was announced three
times in the evening in three categories she had won. That’s just bad TV,"
Knowles said. "The smart thing would have been to combine all three."Beyoncé
won three MOBO Awards for best international female, best song and best video
for "Deja Vu," featuring Jay-Z. The
latter single topped the Billboard Hot R&B Songs and made its peak
at No. 4 on the Hot 100 chart. Beyoncé’s album B’Day is currently
at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.