NEWS
Keith Sweat brushed off online criticism with a groove instead of an apology, sharing a video of himself dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s “peekaboo” after comments about “entitled” single women sparked backlash. The 63-year-old R&B icon appeared carefree in the Instagram clip, captioned, “We ain’t worried about nothin the haters gotta say. Enjoy life.”
But in the comment section, Sweat defended his stance. “Y’all tripping. I cook and clean and I don’t have to,” he wrote. “What’s the problem? I said a lot of women don’t even do what I do.”
He added, “If you don’t fall into that category, why y’all trippin? Still love y’all anyway. Back to doing my dance.”
The controversy began during a recent performance, when Sweat criticized women who, in his words, no longer share domestic responsibilities.
“You gotta bring something to the table to get something from me,” he told the crowd. “They don’t want to cook no more. I wash and iron my own clothes. You gotta do something for me.”
The comments quickly circulated online, with many labeling them outdated. Critics accused him of echoing misogynistic talking points often found on social media.
“If Keith Sweat, with all his fame and hits, still can’t find a woman to cook and iron for him, maybe he’s the problem,” one user posted. Another said, “When did Keith start quoting red pill Twitter?”
Rather than walk back his statements, Sweat offered a brief clarification: “I didn’t say all. I said a lot of women. Not all. Y’all need to listen lol.”
The fallout hasn’t slowed his posts, but it has reignited larger conversations about gender roles, generational views, and the expectations placed on public figures. A singer once celebrated for romantic sensitivity now faces a digital climate that challenges nostalgic views with sharper scrutiny.
Whether his fans agree or not, the moment underscores how quickly personal remarks can turn into public flashpoints in the age of social media.
Sharleen Spiteri joined BBC Radio 2’s The Sara Cox Breakfast Show ahead of Texas taking the stage to launch the main live music programme at Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling.
Checking in from rehearsals, the Texas frontwoman spoke about getting ready for the band’s opening performance at City Park. Radio 2’s annual flagship festival takes place there from 11 to 13 September 2026. "I’m match fit because I’ve had a couple of days’ rehearsals," Spiteri said. "We’re kicking the whole weekend off, which we’re very much looking forward to, so everybody’s got to get ready to party."
Before the live acts take over, Friday’s DJ Pre-Party gets the weekend started with Radio 2 favourites Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan behind the decks.
Jo Whiley helped set the mood with a special programme from Stirling’s Tolbooth venue. Working with BBC Introducing Scotland, the broadcast put the spotlight on Scotland’s emerging music scene through performances and conversations with Fright Years, Alice Faye, and James Emmanuel.
Fright Years, a four member band from Edinburgh, played "Never Been Wrong" and offered their take on Simple Minds’ "Waterfront." Glasgow singer and songwriter Alice Faye, the BBC Introducing in Scotland 2026 winner, paired "Some Brief Encounter" with a rendition of Lulu’s arrangement of "I Started a Joke." James Emmanuel, who was born in Nigeria and now lives in Edinburgh, sang "Brothers & Sisters" before taking on Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman."
"We’re all about celebrating BBC Introducing and all the music that’s come out of Scotland," Whiley told listeners. "It's about celebrating the local music scene and the incredibly important work that BBC Introducing does to support independent, up-and-coming artists."
Joining the conversation were Stephanie Cheape, presenter of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Tara McLoughlin, venue manager for Stirling Council, and student radio presenters representing the University of Stirling’s Air3 Radio.
Listeners can catch the complete interviews and live performances from the weekend’s programmes on BBC Sounds.
