American singer Phoebe Bridgers criticized the former tennis star Marguerite Court while playing a show in Melbourne at a stadium in his name.
The indie rock artist, who has received four Grammy nominations, was performing to a packed house at the Margaret Court Arena, named in honor of the most successful female tennis player of all time.
Indeed, Court has won more Grand Slam titles than any other tennis player, but her controversial opinions on certain topics have sparked negative reactions from many people.
This includes Bridgers, who chose to start a derogatory chant towards the Australian and urged the crowd to chant.
What did Bridgers say about Court?
Addressing the cheering crowd, Bridgers shouted: “F*** this stupid c***, change your name,” in reference to the Court.
She then asked: “Who wants to f*** Margaret Court out of three?” On three. One, two three, fucking Margaret Court.
The majority of spectators appeared to join in with the chants, although some called Bridgers disrespectful for using such offensive language.
Bridgers also touched on other topics during her show and noted that she believes hate is “undervalued” in society.
“I think hate is underestimated,” she said.
“I think it’s a fucking weird white supremacist idea that hate is bad…hate is like what makes things happen throughout history…I hate that stupid bitch. “
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND – JUNE 24: Phoebe Bridgers performs on the John Peel Stage during day three of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
What is the controversy surrounding Margaret Court?
The Court has long opposed same-sex marriage in Australia because of its religious beliefs.
In 2012, she opposed same-sex marriage, which attracted criticism of gay tennis players, including Billie Jean King And Martina Navratilova.
The Australian also came under fire in 2017, when she criticized Qantas, Australia’s largest airline, for its support of same-sex marriage.
However, Court argued that people should not forget his achievements simply because of his opinions on this subject.
After Tennis Australia refused to honor him on the 50th anniversary of his 1970 Grand Slam, Court said: “If we are not big enough as a nation and as a game to meet these challenges, There’s something wrong.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 27: Margaret Court lifts a replica of the Daphne Akhurst Trophy on the Rod Laver Arena before the fourth round of the men’s match between Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Rafael Nadal of Spain on day eight of the Australian Open 2020 at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Who is Phoebe Bridgers?
Born in California, Bridgers was a member of the band Sloppy Jane, before releasing her debut album in 2017.
Her indie folk music centers around melancholy lyrical themes and she has worked with artists like 1975 and Kid Cudi.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 06: Phoebe Bridgers speaks onstage at Spotlight: MUNA at the GRAMMY Museum on September 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images The Recording Academy)
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