Chime For Change’s Sound Of Change concert was meant to be the event that put women’s rights firmly in the spotlight.
But the overall message of Saturday night’s star-studded concert at Twickenham Stadium in London seemed to be lost on some of the performers, according to many critics.
Twitter brimmed with harsh but fair questions, including why modern day feminism requires wearing a pair of ‘spiked heels’ and underwear, and if the 𝑠e𝑥y performances were entirely appropriate.
Hell for leather: Beyonce Knowles performed in a leather leotard, which some fans thought not very appropriate
Headliner Beyonce, 31, drew plenty of negative feedback for her skimpy outfit, a tiny leather bodice which covered her arms but left her legs on full show.
‘I am all about female empowerment in every form. I am. But why does it have to be celebrated in spike heels and knickers every time? #Beyonce,’ tweeted on bemused fan.
‘Beyonce is singing At Last in leather knickers while quotes from Rosa Parks and Princess Diana blare on the screen behind her #empowerment,’ sneered another.
‘Huge concert promoting female empowerment… and Beyonce’s backing dancers are all wearing thongs,’ noted one.
However, the Houston born singer did seem to have the show’s ethos at the forefront of her mind.
She told the crowd: ‘This is such an incredible night for all of us. Because of you all, we have raised more than $4 million.’
‘Women’s rights, it’s something that has always been something close to my heart. I know now being a mother it is really important that I can do what I can and use my voice.
‘There are women around the world that don’t have a voice so we have to use our voices and raise awareness and be part of something where we can leave a legacy and help improve this world.’
Strange: Some fans questioned why the artists dressed so provocatively
The star-studded Sound of Change concert – which benefits education, health and justice for women around the world, particularly in underprivileged countries – also featured performances from Florence + the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Mary J Blige, Jessie J and Rita Ora.
The concert was part of Gucci’s new global campaign for girls’ and women’s empowerment, and is being broadcast across six continents to over 150 countries, with more than one billion people expected to see it in total.
The charity has put on the concert in conjunction with the Chime For Change initiative, which aims to raise awareness of education, health and justice for women everywhere.
Really? Jennifer Lopez wore thigh high boots and fishnet tights to promote feminism
But it wasn’t only the Single Ladies singer who was mocked for dressing revealingly.
Jennifer Lopez, 43, already found herself caught up in furore over what many deemed inappropriate attire for an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, and she reignited the storm when she took to the stage in Twickenham.
Flanked by male backing dancers half her age, the sultry singer thrusted her body vigorously, leaving little to the imagination in her fishnet tights, leotard and leather boots.
She was joined on stage by Mary J Blige to perform a cover of The Beatles’ song Come Together, which fans also found fault with.
‘J-Lo and Mary J Blige are dressed like a couple of WWE wrestlers!! Never mind Chime for Change its time they got changed!!’ said one concert goer.