In a moment that’s igniting fierce debate across the music world and beyond, Beatles legend Paul McCartney has drawn fire for recent comments made during a private Q&A at an arts symposium in London. When asked about Pride Month, the 82-year-old icon gave an unexpected and controversial response.
“I don’t celebrate it,” McCartney reportedly said. “WOKE doesn’t deserve remembrance — it deserves reflection. It’s become a machine of shame and division, not inclusion.”
The audience, made up of artists and creatives, fell silent as McCartney elaborated. While known for his past support of humanitarian causes, including marriage equality and animal rights, this moment marked a sharp break from his typically inclusive tone.
“People have hijacked love and peace to push censorship and guilt,” he continued. “It’s no longer about accepting others — it’s about silencing anyone who questions the narrative.”
The comments, quickly leaked online, sparked intense backlash. Social media erupted with calls for clarification and disappointment from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates. Sam Smith simply posted, “Legends fall too. Heartbreaking.”
Still, others praised McCartney’s willingness to speak out. Conservative voices hailed him as “a true rebel” for challenging what they view as enforced political correctness. Ben Shapiro posted, “Sir Paul just proved rock still has a spine.”
So far, McCartney’s team has not issued an official statement, and no comment has been made by representatives of The Beatles’ estate. Abbey Road Studios, however, quietly removed its rainbow-themed banner from social platforms earlier this week, fueling speculation of a wider shift behind the scenes.
In closing remarks, McCartney reportedly added:
“I’m not against love. I’m against forcing people to perform it. Love has to be free — or it’s not love at all.”
As the dust settles, what’s clear is that even legends are not immune from the firestorm of modern cultural debate — and McCartney’s words may linger far beyond the month in question.
