The only way an artist can innovate is when they are allowed to evolve.
Lisa Manobel is a gem of a dancer who can enthrall everyone in sight. Her performances are etched into our minds for a long time, leaving a long-lasting impression. To put into perspective, one of her performances was so legendary that the luxury brand creator, Christian Louboutin, gifted her signed pairs of exclusive sneakers.ย
Unfortunately, though, the rest of the world was not ready for Lisa’s new venture.
The sparks of controversy began when Crazy Horse Paris announced that Lisa would be performing at their cabaret show.ย
Although the cabaret is a highly coveted art form, people did not agree with Lisa’s decision for such a risque show. Reportedly, the dancers are always scantily-clad and have subjectively “provocative” dance sequences.
Lisa was set to show her own rendition of the cabaret shows. And then she delivered the utmost iconic performance of a lifetime. Celebrities from all over the world traveled to Paris only to watch Lisa’s performance.ย
On the flip side, Lisa is facing severe backlash for her brief stint, which led to her cancellation by Korean netizens.
On November 3, 2023, CELINE and BVLGARI, who collaborated with the BlackPink member, Lisa, deleted all her pictures from their respective Weibo accounts. Lisa has been associated as the brand ambassador for the luxury brands. Amidst the growing backlash for her Crazy Horse performance, as a means to distance themselves from the controversy.
Meanwhile, China has entirely condemned Lisa’s cabaret show and deleted her Weibo account.
Why Did CELINE and BVLGARI Weibo Delete BLACKPINK’s Lisa Posts?
As per Chinese law, any content that shows/suggests/implies inappropriate dancing or stripping is considered a legal offense.
Following Lisa’s three-day cabaret performance, China has absolutely rejected her decision for the reportedly “raunchy” performance. Her Weibo account is banned, citing “violations of the law and related regulations.”
More so, even the Weibo accounts of the Chinese actors, including Angela Baby and Baby Zhang, were blacklisted on Weibo just because they attended Crazy Horse in Paris.
Due to the unwarranted wildfire of criticisms, many brands are distancing themselves from the controversy.
Lisa has proved to be a monumental asset as the global ambassador for the top luxury French brands, CELINE and BVLGARI which is why fans were shocked to see that both brands have taken down posts with Lisa in them from their Weibo accounts.ย
This also irked LILLIES (Lisa’s solo fans) and BLINKS (BlackPink fans), who were of the opinion that these brands would just disassociate with the celebrity if they landed in any controversy, meanwhile exploiting their popularity otherwise.
Even though fans always stand in support of Lisa, Chinese netizens think that her Crazy Horse performance crosses the line, considering she is an idol and that children look up to her.
However, in an unexpected gesture, BVLGARI CEO JC Babin just recently flooded his Instagram story with memories of Lisa when she promoted their jewelry.
This goes to show that the brand executives are in full support of the global phenomenon K-pop star Lisa Manobel (and so are we).
YG Entertainment, Lisa’s agency, is yet to put out a statement on the ongoing controversy.
What is your take on this? Do you think the Weibo ban was unwarranted? Do you agree that Lisa’s Crazy Horse performance was crossing the line? Shouldn’t Lisa, a grown-up, be allowed to express herself freely?
Let us know in the comments section below.
