{"id":844,"date":"2025-02-26T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/?p=844"},"modified":"2025-02-26T18:37:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T18:37:39","slug":"anastacia-unashamedly-fired-five-team-members-for-disgusting-homophobic-remarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/26\/anastacia-unashamedly-fired-five-team-members-for-disgusting-homophobic-remarks\/","title":{"rendered":"Anastacia unashamedly fired five team members for \u2018disgusting\u2019 homophobic remarks"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Anastacia doesn’t mince her words when it comes to the importance of LGBTQ+ allyship (Picture: Metro\/REX)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

‘I feel more important when the gay community thinks I’m cool,’ Anastacia<\/a> declares proudly, having well and truly earned her badge of LGBTQ+<\/a> icon.<\/p>\n

But the I’m Outta Love hitmaker<\/a> isn’t just an ally on paper\u2014it’s something she’s been putting into practice for decades, both professionally and behind closed doors.<\/p>\n

Because of this, she’ll be honoured with the Global Recognition Award at the first-ever Metro Pride Awards<\/a> this week – hosted by Rylan Clark<\/a> – in celebration of her commitment to the community.<\/p>\n

Speaking to me over Zoom amid a frantic press day, she makes it clear it’s an accolade that means a lot to her, recounting times when she’s willingly made sacrifices to protect her relationships with the queer people she cherishes.<\/p>\n

‘At one time in my life, I fired five members of my band because they spoke disgustingly over a WhatsApp chat, and I felt it was inappropriate, so we fired ’em! Not worried about that. Bam! All in one day,’ she recalls with a sassy tone.<\/p>\n

But that’s not all, as the star also doesn’t hesitate to get out the scissors and cut off anyone whose political stance endangers those who are vulnerable.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"DORTMUND,\t<\/div>
The I’m Outta Love hitmaker is proud to be considered a ‘gay icon’ (Picture: Tristar Media\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

‘It’s crazy what’s happening in America, and it’s like, did this really happen? Are you kidding me?’, she asks incredulously, reflecting on the reelection of Donald Trump.<\/p>\n

‘I have given up friends who didn’t vote because of<\/em> the other friends I have in my life. You’re going to vote for our current president, knowing full well that my family and friends are being marginalised, and could get wiped off the face of the earth? Yet you like me as a person, and you say you like my friends? Well, you need to just lose my number.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tJoin Metro's LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel<\/a> is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n

Simply\u00a0click on this link<\/a><\/strong>, select \u2018Join Chat\u2019 and you\u2019re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

‘There isn’t a bargaining tool at this point. We’re done; there’s no forgiving.’<\/p>\n

The Left Outside Alone vocalist stands firm on her point, stating that much of the ‘ignorance’ depicted in today’s media stems purely from ‘fear-mongering’.<\/p>\n

‘It’s not fact-based. Once you get people to actually talk about it, they have no clue what they’re talking about,’ she laughs, proceeding to throw her support behind the trans community amid the onslaught of attacks their rights and freedoms face.<\/p>\n

On how she enacts her allyship in everyday life, Anastacia explains: ‘When somebody has a comment to make, I’m more inquisitive as to why they feel that way. What brought them to not really think trans people need to live?<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"MELBOURNE,\t<\/div>
Anastacia, 56, has cut off friends and colleagues in the past for ‘disgusting’ comments (Picture: Wendell Teodoro\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

‘I try to dig a little deeper and see if anyone is saveable in this conversation and if I can move the needle a little bit. But if somebody’s not moveable, it’s like, we don’t need you anyway.<\/p>\n

‘But I do feel that a little bit of knowledge could go a long way. I’ll do whatever I can to try and raise awareness for someone who didn’t know any better because they didn’t, for example, have a gay person in their school.<\/p>\n

‘I’m like, how many trans people do you know in your life? They’re not ruining you; you don’t know any! So why are you worried about trans people?’<\/p>\n

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Anastacia praises her ‘exploratory’ upbringing, having been raised by Broadway actress Diane Hurley, who was ‘forward-thinking’ in her attitudes on life.<\/p>\n

‘My mom was not someone who was conventional, shall we say? I had a very open and exploratory childhood with gay and Black, and freedom, and all of this reality.<\/p>\n

‘It’s a very normal philosophy for me, but I know that isn’t true for the [LGBTQ+] community.’<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Mandatory\t<\/div>
She will, quite rightly, be honoured at the first-ever Metro Pride Awards, receiving the Global Recognition accolade (Picture: BabiradPicture\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On why allyship matters to her, she’s comfortable admitting that she’s ‘not marginalised,’ nor does she know how it feels to be in the same way as queer folk.<\/p>\n

However, she surrounds herself with people from all walks of life and sees firsthand how ‘fear and ignorance’ results in ‘isolation and rejection’ for many.<\/p>\n

‘And I don’t think that is something that’s acceptable,’ she asserts. ‘So I’d rather not be in somebody’s orbit if they feel differently.’<\/p>\n

Anastacia has no problem wearing her ally cap ‘all the time,’ hence she struggles to pick out one specific example of a time when her voice has been most impactful.<\/p>\n

Instead, her viewpoint is simple\u2014and comes with an incredible pun.<\/p>\n

‘We all have to be supporting each other, especially in these times. The lesbians can’t hate on the gays, the gays can’t hate on the trans… we all have to stand strong because we are all one community trying to just be who we are.<\/p>\n

‘It’s people who love differently, that’s all it is. You don’t have to love like fricking Cinderella! Some people just like Cinderfellas!’<\/p>\n

The Metro Pride Awards take place on February 26.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tThe full list of nominees for Metro Pride Awards 2025:\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Celebrity of the Year<\/h2>\n

Nicola Coughlan
Luke Evans
RuPaul
Russell Tovey
Jonathan Bailey
Edward Enninful
Andrew Scott
Cara Delevingne
Ncuti Gatwa
Graham Norton<\/p>\n

Broadcaster of the Year<\/h2>\n

Rylan Clark
Jill Scott MBE
Nick Grimshaw
Scott Mills
Mobeen Azhar
Alex Scott
Robert Rinder
Dean McCullough
Riyadh Khalaf
Sue Perkins<\/p>\n

Music Hero of the Year<\/h2>\n

DJ Fat Tony
Jodie Harsh
Lizzo
Olly Alexander
Jess Glynne
Jake Shears
Will Young
MNEK
Peggy Gou
Kehlani<\/p>\n

Sports Hero of the Year<\/h2>\n

Tom Daley
Jake Daniels
Beth Mead
Carl Hester
Cindy Ngamba
Ralf Schumacher
Jack Laugher
Dame Kelly Holmes
Jess Carter
Lauren Hemp<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ Trailblazer<\/h2>\n

Se\u00e1n McGirr
Mitchell Halliday
Ian Steed
Jay Birmingham
Dan Price
Alessandro Bucci
Suki Sandhu OBE
Simon Jones
Jo\u00eblle Rotsaert
Lexie Shaibu-Lenoir<\/p>\n

Rising Star Award<\/h2>\n

Kit Connor
Yasmin Finney
The Vivienne
GK Barry
Tia Kofi
Jessica Gunning
Mawaan Rizwan
Phil Dunning
Cat Burns
Olly Shinder<\/p>\n

Inspirational Ally<\/h2>\n

Melanie B
Sharleen Spiteri
James Corden
Annie Mac
John Bishop
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Tyrone Mings
Jade Thirlwall
Amanda Holden
Jennifer Saunders<\/p>\n

Brand of the Year<\/h2>\n

Vodafone
Virgin Atlantic
JustEat
Arnold Clark
Tesco
British Airways
ASOS
Bentley
Netflix
Absolut Vodka<\/p>\n

Marketing Campaign of the Year<\/h2>\n

Deliveroo \u2013 \u201cThe Open Kitchen\u201d
The Romans x Millwall Romans Campaign
Disney \u2013 \u201cThe Power of Pride\u201d
Uber Eats \u2013 \u201cServing Pride\u201d
Adidas \u2013 \u201cLove Unites\u201d
McCann London and Clear Channel UK \u2013 \u201cFabruary\u201d
JCDecaux UK \u2013 \u201cJust Like Us\u201d Partnership
Bentley \u2013 \u201cPride Car 2024\u201d
Virgin Atlantic and Lucky Generals \u2013 \u201cSee the World Differently\u201d
Open Media \u2013 #OpenAndProud<\/p>\n

Grassroots or Charity Organisation of the Year<\/h2>\n

MindOut
AKT
Kaleidoscope Trust
Everton in the Community
BlkOut
Fighting With Pride
Just Like Us
Manchester Pride
LGBT Foundation
The National Lottery Heritage Fund<\/p>\n

Best Breakthrough Business<\/h2>\n

Evri
Klarna
Cinch
Aer Lingus
BYOMA
Mildreds
Zymurgorium
Tonic Housing
Stonegate Group
Williams & Hirst
Matalan<\/p>\n

Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility<\/h2>\n

Liverpool Football Club
KPMG
Asda
Nissan
Hogan Lovells
Network Rail
IKEA
Anthony Collins Solicitors
Three Mobile
Avanti West Coast<\/p>\n

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award<\/h2>\n

Create Fertility
MSB Solicitors
Burberry
Scottish Power
National Grid
United Utilities
Pinsent Masons
AXA
Chelsea Football Club
GSK<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ Network Group<\/h2>\n

Spire Healthcare Group \u2013 LGBTQ+ Colleague Network
Aer Lingus \u2013 ProudFlies
KPMG \u2013 Breathe
LGBT+@Sky
Scottish Power \u2013 In-Fuse
Proud@Shell
Vodafone \u2013 LGBT+ and Friends Network
Amazon \u2013 Glamazon
Pfizer \u2013 OPEN
Macquarie \u2013 Pride EMEA Employee Network<\/p>\n

Business of the Year<\/h2>\n

Softcat
Virgin Atlantic
DHL
Macquarie
GSK
Farrer & Co
Irwin Mitchell
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Dentons
Wickes<\/p>\n

Most Inclusive Employer<\/h2>\n

LV=
VISA
Xero
Aon
Moody\u2019s
Linklaters
DHL
E.ON
Coty UKI
LSEG<\/p>\n

LGBT+ Business Leader Of The Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n

David Hynam, LV=
Elliot Barton, Tatti Lashes
Rick Jackson, DHL
Julia Hoggett, London Stock Exchange
Anna Deignan, The Premier League
Bruna Gil, LINKEDIN
Jaron Soh, Voda
Deon Pillay, Legal & General
Mitchell Halliday, Made By Mitchell<\/p>\n

Business Ally<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Emma Carey, MSB
Angela Ogilvie,  Linklaters
Lauryn Yuen, TikTok
Rebecca Short, Deutsche Bank
Jasmin Fox, EA
Ruth Rowan, Avanade 
Liz Kelly, St James\u2019s Place
Michael Salter-Church, Openreach
Alan Holmes, Clyde and Co
Rachel Pears, RPC<\/p>\n

Metro Global Recognition Award<\/h2>\n

Anastacia<\/p>\n

Lifetime Achievement Award<\/h2>\n

Announced at the ceremony<\/p>\n

Outstanding Contribution to LGBTQ+ LIfe<\/h2>\n

Announced at the ceremony<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Anastacia doesn’t mince her words when it comes to the importance of LGBTQ+ allyship (Picture: Metro\/REX) ‘I feel more important when the gay community thinks I’m cool,’ Anastacia declares proudly,<\/p>\n

Continue reading <\/use> <\/svg>Anastacia unashamedly fired five team members for \u2018disgusting\u2019 homophobic remarks<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=844"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":850,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844\/revisions\/850"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pilotshopworld.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}