JoJo Siwa Praises Beyoncé in Light of Internet Conspiracy Theories

JoJo Siwa, the former “Dance Moms” star, made headlines with her remarks at the 2024 Industry Dance Awards held on October 8. Siwa, aged 21, took the stage to thank Beyoncé, an icon in the music industry, in a speech that sparked varied reactions among attendees and online fans. “I also have to say thank you to Beyoncé just so that we can keep the dancing community safe,” Siwa expressed. She added her appreciation, stating, “Beyoncé, you’ve got great music. We all love to dance to it. We all love you. … Someone had to, and I will be the someone.”

The comment was perceived as a nod to online conspiracy theories that suggest celebrities praise Beyoncé during award speeches to avoid negative attention, particularly given Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z’s, perceived connections in the entertainment industry. In an interview with Us Weekly at the Dancers Against Cancer’s 10th Annual Gala of Stars Awards, Siwa clarified her stance, noting that the Internet tends to interpret statements in unpredictable ways. She remarked, “I think Beyoncé is great and she’s written a lot of incredible music that we’ve all used [and danced to].”

Siwa’s comments come amidst a backdrop of allegations involving music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was recently arrested in New York on September 16. A 14-page indictment accused Combs of “abusing, threatening and coercing women and others,” charges he has denied, pleading not guilty.

Additionally, an interview conducted by Piers Morgan with musician Jaguar Wright included controversial remarks about Beyoncé and Jay-Z. During the interview, Wright made inflammatory allegations about the couple, prompting their attorney, Alex Spiro, to intervene. Spiro demanded a retraction of what he called “demonstrably false” claims, stating they were a formal accusation that required a legal response. “It was quite bluntly an ultimatum,” Spiro told media outlets as he addressed the situation.

JoJo Siwa’s lighthearted acknowledgment of Beyoncé’s influence on the dance community has been met with both criticism and amusement on social media, showcasing the divided reactions prevalent whenever public figures comment on viral internet narratives. Siwa, reflecting on her role in the spotlight since childhood, indicated her desire to balance her career trajectory, contemplating a future either retired from show business or active and performing at 82.

During the Dancers Against Cancer event, Siwa highlighted her enduring commitment to the foundation, where she recently joined the board. “Dancers Against Cancer is such a beautiful foundation that I’ve been a part of now for the last 10 years,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of supporting cancer-affected individuals through dance.