Bridgers has slammed former tennis star Margaret Court while playing a Melbourne show at a stadium in her name
US singer Phoebe Bridgers has slammed former tennis star Margaret Court while playing a Melbourne show at a stadium in her name.
The indie rock artist, who has received four Grammy nominations, was performing to a sold-out crowd at the Margaret Court Arena — named in honour of the most successful female tennis player of all time.
Indeed, Court has won more Grand Slam titles than any other female tennis player but her controversial opinions on some topics have led to backlash from many.
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This includes Bridgers, who chose to start a derogatory chant about the Australian and urged the crowd to sing along.
What did Bridgers say about Court?
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Bridgers shouted: “F*** that stupid c***, change your name,” in reference to Court.
She then asked: “Who wants to say f*** Margaret Court on three? On three. One, two three, f*** Margaret Court.”
The majority of concertgoers appeared to join in with the chants, though some have branded Bridgers disrespectful for using such offensive language.
Bridgers also addressed other topics during her show and stressed that she feels hate is ‘undervalued’ in society.
“I think hate is undervalued,” she said.
“I think it’s a f***ing weird white supremacist idea that hate is bad … hate is like what moves things throughout history … I hate that stupid b***h.”
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND – JUNE 24: Phoebe Bridgers performs at the John Peel Stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
What is the controversy surrounding Margaret Court?
Court has long been opposed to same-sex marriage in Australia as a result of her religious beliefs.
In 2012, she opposed same-sex marriage, which led to criticism from gay tennis players including Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.
The Australian was also criticised back in 2017, when she slammed Qantas, Australia’s largest airline, for being a corporate supporter of same-sex marriage.
However, Court has argued that people should not forget her achievements just because of her opinions on this topic.
After Tennis Australia refused to honour her on the 50th anniversary of her 1970 Grand Slam, Court said: “If we are not big enough as a nation and a game to face those challenges there is something wrong.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 27: Margaret Court lifts a replica Daphne Akhurst trophy on Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Men’s Singles fourth round match between Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Rafael Nadal of Spain on day eight of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Who is Phoebe Bridgers?
Born in California, Bridgers was a member of the band Sloppy Jane, before releasing her debut album in 2017.
Her indie folk music is centred around melancholic lyrical themes and she has worked with the likes of the 1975 and Kid Cudi.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 06: Phoebe Bridgers speaks onstage at Spotlight: MUNA at The GRAMMY Museum on September 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images The Recording Academy)
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