Alicia Keys, the billionaire pop star, recently made headlines by asserting that American women do not possess “equal rights” as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
In a video shared on social media, Keys remarked, “Did you know that it’s been a century since the Equal Rights Amendment was first proposed? Yet, women still lack a definitive assurance of equal rights in the U.S. Constitution.”
“It’s hard to believe, right? I was taken aback,” she expressed, emphasizing that “women aren’t asking for special privileges; they seek equal rights.”
She continued, “If we’re marking the 250th anniversary of our nation, shouldn’t we be considering an update to some of these issues?”
Keys also posed the question, “What rights and protections do you believe all American women should have?” but didn’t seem to provide her own answers to this inquiry.
She wrapped up the video by revealing her comments were part of a campaign promoting the People’s Bill of Rights 250.
“I’m not here to speak on your behalf. I just want to pass you the microphone so you can express your views on the People’s Bill of Rights 250 organization,” Keys stated.
Watch below:
The initiative behind the People’s Bill of Rights aims to prompt Americans to consider fundamental issues related to freedom, power, and responsibilities before others settle those questions.
Responses to Keys’ video quickly filled the comments section on X, with many users criticizing her stance.
One Ohio attorney, Mehek Cook, stated, “Women actually have more rights than men in America. They don’t have to register for the draft, control their reproductive choices, and in some cases, face lighter sentences for the same offenses. I could list so much more.”
Cook added, “We can’t demand equality while overlooking the privileges women already enjoy.”
Another user quipped, “So could we ask the party to stop allowing men in women-only spaces?”
A different comment questioned, “What rights has she lost? Was she forced to share facilities with men?”
Another user challenged, “Hey @aliciakeys… can you name one right men have that women don’t?”
“From a singer who once portrayed a burqa as a fashion statement, she never seems to address the real struggles faced by oppressed women, especially in Islamic societies,” another commented.
One observer remarked, “She hasn’t mentioned a single right that isn’t already shared equally between genders. It feels like the same old narrative.”
“She hasn’t provided any tangible examples,” echoed yet another user.
“The overall tone and message are distasteful,” stated another viewer regarding Keys’ video.
One commenter pointed out, “Alicia Keys has made millions, almost $200 million with her husband. What rights does she supposedly lack in this country?”
“This woman is making a fortune from her music; it’s perplexing,” said yet another respondent.
