Burna Boy is no stranger to headlines, whether he’s selling out arenas, topping charts or caught in romantic escapades, the 34-year-old has dominated mainstream media for nearly a decade. This time the Afrobeats pioneer is facing backlash for kicking out a sleeping fan from his Denver concert last week. Video of the striking moment quickly hit the internet where the performer is heard demanding the woman leave the venue before he continues the show. “I’m not doing no more songs until you take her home…Bro hurry up man” he says to the woman’s partner, seemingly frustrated.

The show immediately resumed after the pair left, with Burna performing his 2018 hit song “Ye” for the roused audience. Social media was in an uproar once the video made its rounds, with critics calling the rapper arrogant and disrespectful, suggesting the situation could’ve been handled with grace. 

The woman took to X sharing her side of the situation, expressing the devastation and humiliation she felt from the superstar's targeted performance towards her. The woman at the centre of the controversy, Chaltu Jateny, explained that she had recently suffered a loss and had been going through an exhausting period, hoping the night out with her boyfriend would lift her spirits. Jateny defends her front row shut eye as a result of Burna Boy’s delayed show.

“He took forever to come out and I was tired” she concludes in one of her posts. We paid to be there and if I wanted to close my eyes and sleep, I can do that. It is my money that I wasted not his.”

A day later Burna Boy took to his Instagram in a series of posts defending himself following a backstage video surfaced where he’s heard saying “Did I tell you all to be my fans? I am only looking for fans with money this period.” In another post shared on his Instagram story, the artist told his 18.5 million followers that his skin has become “bulletproof” to critics and backlash.

He wrote: "BTW I was joking arounf with my band about something else. Not necessarily about this situation and y'all have spun it as usual saying 'Burna Boy doesn't love his fans.' If you hate me so much either kill me or leave me alone. I'm fighting my own battles and I never come out here to look for pity or help. I love who loves me and respect who respects me. Free Sudan, Free Congo, Free Nigeria.

His behaviour has people questioning whether or not he’s justified in his actions or if the entertainer lacks respect and consideration for his fans. The sold-out Denver show kickstarted Burna Boy’s “No Sign of Weakness” North American tour, making history as the first Nigerian artist to headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre.