EDITOR'S NOTE: Michael Quattlebaum Jr., also known as Mykki Blanco, said in a recent interview that anyone discussing or writing about the latter persona should use female pronouns. For that reason, this article refers to Mykki Blanco within the feminine framework of gender identity.
Britney Spears and her new single "Work Bitch" are coming under fire by performer Mykki Blanco, who claims that the pop superstar is attempting to exploit the bankability of gay culture, claiming "this is not 'gay pride' it's 'gay marketing.'"
Blanco, a gender-bending queer performer, artist and musician, lashed out at the pop princess on Twitter last Sunday, calling the single "tacky" and asking "is it just me or is EVERY female pop star currently in a war to secure as many GAY fans and gay $ as possible ?"
Many of the Spears-referencing Tweets have since been deleted, but check out what Mykki had to say from this screengrab via OMG Blog:
Spears, who was previously slammed for attempting to exploit the gay community during the release of her last album "Femme Fatale," was rumored to have recruited drag icon RuPaul as a feature on the track prior to the song's release. Indeed, a number of "Work Bitch" and "Supermodel (Of The World)" mashups have hit the web in the 24 hours since the song has been available.
Blanco, who recently opened for the legendary Bjork, isn't the first musician to blast a mainstream musician for allegedly exploiting the gay community. Recently, openly gay rapper Le1f slammed straight rapper Macklemore following his success at the 2013 VMAs, tweeting, "I'm gonna write a song about disabled people, or about the aboriginal struggle. cuz mama needs a new fur coat. oh wait, that's evil." He also added "news just in: gay people don't care about your video about gay people."
For more on Mykki Blanco and the way sexuality and gender identity play into her work and the formation of her character, check out this interview.
Also, have a listen to Britney's "Work Bitch" below -- what do you think about Blanco's claims?
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