Beyoncé banned entertainment photographers from taking photos of her while she was performing at Kobe Bryant’s memorial.
At the LA Staples Centre on Monday, the music legend performed two of her hit songs XO and Halo, as they were songs that Kobe and his daughters loved.
Beyoncé gave a compelling performance. But according to a report from Page Six, the singer wanted to be in control of her image by banning any official snaps.
One insider told Page Six: “It is so offensive to Kobe’s family and the fans, Beyonce is so controlling of her image. She usually only allows approved selected images of her to be released; so no photographers at the Kobe memorial were allowed to take her picture.”
“A Staples Center staffer was dispatched to make sure not a single camera was focused on the stage. The photographers couldn’t believe it.”
“This doesn’t help Beyonce’s image at all, it hurts her. It makes her look like a diva. The memorial wasn’t about her.”
Beyoncé and her publicity team are yet to reveal why she banned photos at a memorial service.
As she sang XO, the star broke down and said: “I’m here because I love Kobe, and this was one of his favorite songs so I want to start that over.”
Kobe, Gianna Bryant and seven others died when their helicopter crashed in Calabasas; while on their way to basketball practice last month.