Choreographer and performer Ashley Everett, widely recognised as Beyoncé’s long-serving dance captain, has recently addressed a controversial incident that occurred during a Virgin Voyages cruise. Initially taking to social media to express her dissatisfaction, Everett revealed that she had been removed from the stage while performing the iconic song “Single Ladies.” However, she has since clarified that the situation stemmed from a misunderstanding.
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In a post shared on Threads on April 22, 2023, Everett, who has been a prominent figure in Beyoncé’s career for over 17 years, explained that her initial frustrations were misplaced. “I want to clear something up from my birthday trip with @virginvoyages,” she wrote. “After getting more clarity, I realised the situation I spoke about involved other guests—not the Virgin team. That part matters, and I take full responsibility for misdirecting that frustration.”
In her earlier posts from April 20, Everett had communicated her dissatisfaction more bluntly. She claimed to have been “kicked off the @virginvoyages club stage while dancing to the SINGLE LADIES song… all because someone complained.” This statement was compounded by her observation that others, whom she described as complaining guests, were allowed to take the stage afterwards. She expressed her disappointment at what she perceived as a lack of recognition for Black creators, prompting her to call for improvements within the cruise line.
In response to Everett’s allegations, a spokesperson for Virgin Voyages issued a statement to clarify their actions. They explained that the decision to remove guests from the stage was a safety-based one. “During a late-night set at The Manor, a number of Sailors joined the stage, which isn’t something we typically allow,” they said. The company reiterated that the intervention was made to address safety concerns and was not aimed at any specific individual.
Following a dialogue between Virgin Voyages and Everett, the cruise line acknowledged the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all guests aboard their ships. “We take any suggestion of discrimination seriously,” the statement added, noting that the cruise was designed to feature a diverse group of creators from various backgrounds.
In the aftermath of the incident, Everett deleted her initial posts, signalling a shift in her views on the matter. Virgin Voyages noted that further discussions had occurred and that other community members had also shared their insights regarding the incident, emphasizing the positive environment they strive to cultivate on their sailings.
Everett did not shy away from sharing her experiences more broadly during the trip, suggesting that she had faced challenges from the outset. With over 109,000 followers on Threads, she posed the rhetorical question, “Do we need a story time?!” to her audience. She candidly expressed her feelings of disappointment regarding the cruise’s failure to acknowledge her birthday in a meaningful way.
Despite these frustrations, Everett’s long-standing success as a dancer and choreographer has solidified her status in the entertainment industry. A staple in Beyoncé’s performances, including starring roles in iconic music videos such as “Single Ladies,” Everett’s career has continued to evolve. She mentioned her desire to explore new opportunities outside of her work with Beyoncé, stating, “It’s a new journey — the renaissance of Ashley Everett essentially.”
Throughout her interactions related to the Virgin Voyages incident, Everett has demonstrated a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, taking the time to clarify misunderstandings and extend apologies where necessary. Her reflections on this cruise experience may resonate with many who have faced similar themes of recognition and respect within their professional lives.
As she moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Everett navigates the balance between her established identity as a prominent performer and her desire to forge a path for herself that includes new ventures and personal growth. Her journey reflects not only the challenges faced by artists within the entertainment industry but also the ongoing dialogue surrounding inclusivity and recognition within creative spaces.