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There are so many reasons to be grateful for Carnival. It’s an amazing celebration that gives people of Caribbean the chance to dance, party and express their joy in their culture’s rich history with the help of music and a good time.
Recently, John Boyega celebrated Carnival on Notting Hill in London, England. The 25-year-old actor posed for pics with fans, had a great time and even got down with the customary whine, a Caribbean dance. Boyega wasn’t alone, as Carnival is celebrated all over the world and the Notting Hill tradition is very highly attended.
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Boyega gave his followers the chance to join on the fun by updating his Instagram story, posting pics and videos of his day out. The actor later said that he deserved the day off after work “two straight years” and TBH we don’t blame him for letting loose.
He took a video of himself as he wined and referred to the moment as “of another realm.” He was having a damn good time. Hello, this is all normal, especially for anyone familiar with A) fun and B) Carnival. (BTW, just so we’re clear, Rihanna‘s Carnival outfits are iconic and this is a very #blessed event every single year!)
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Because apparently not everyone is aware of the afore mentioned points A and B, someone had to protest. In this case, a Star Wars fan decided to complain of the dance via Twitter.
“It’s not funny,” the fan wrote in response to the video and Boyega’s reaction. “Can you imagine strong females like Padme, Leia or Rey in a similar situation? I can’t…”
Boyega responded perfectly.
Yep! Rey would back it up!!!! Wooooooiiiiiii 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/QpemYxHWjX
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 30, 2017
There are obviously so many things wrong with this misled fan’s reaction, but to put it summarily, strong women can do what they want when they want. Also, strong women don’t have to look like Padme, Leia or Rey OR dress like them (no shade to Leia’s signature hair) to command respect.
Other fans not only supported John Boyega, they also called out media sources for basically making something out of nothing in regards to a “controversy.” Rightfully, Twitter also pointed out that commenting on Carnival and its culture without any sort of knowledge or respect for it was totally out of line.
really just screaming that john boyega being a black guy at carnival is still making headlines ppl really don't like black stars to be black
— Bolu Babalola (@BeeBabs) August 31, 2017
Becky Twitter losing their shit over John Boyega dancing at Carnival is making my day. Stay mad y'all.
— Rebecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) August 30, 2017
It's our culture and our freedom!
Live and let live.
Stop speaking on what you don't know. pic.twitter.com/hcjuie5ljS
— stay at frikin home (@Ratchet_Buddha) August 30, 2017
These vanilla ass people need to relax. It's called dancing and that's what carnival is about 🤦🏻♀️
— wet pigeon (@PigeonWet) August 30, 2017
Man yall stay coming for our culture and not knowing a damn thing. go square dance or some shit! pic.twitter.com/XtGcZDHT5T
— Quarantine James 🏁🇻🇨 (@kingjames718) August 31, 2017
They also made sure to protect the woman featured in the video after reports accused her of being “scantily clad.”
You know what's annoying? These reports about John Boyega dancing with a "scantily clad female" at Carnival. Bruh, it's Carnival.
— Tile Childs (@jumpedforjoi) August 29, 2017
Luckily, John Boyega also received plenty of praise and there’s a line of people who are 100% willing to whine for him at any time. And guess what? Any/all of them are strong women, simply exerting their power of choice as they have the right to do so.
Damn cross genres! Pop,lock and drop? That's that triple threat https://t.co/EksyN778Us
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 30, 2017
👀👀👀👀👀 https://t.co/Uaau1piH3E
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 30, 2017
Jesu 👀👀👀 https://t.co/OPt1zBuDAT
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 30, 2017
Boyega also had some parting words in terms of the discussion, cautioning people to “be YOU and no one else!”
Be YOU and no one else! The best you can be! Live,love and learn.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 31, 2017
And PRAISE, this won’t be the last we’ll see of his Carnival fun. #Phase2 is coming soon.
I will expand my dancing & wining endeavours. With that being said…. Jamaica see you Sunday!!!! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 #Phase2
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 31, 2017
Do it, John! Happy Carnival!