Chardae Williams, an avid Beyoncé fan, has come forward with disturbing allegations of racial discrimination by staff members at NRG Stadium during the Houston leg of the Beyoncé tour. Williams, who traveled from Washington, D.C., to her favorite artist’s hometown, had eagerly anticipated the September 24, 2023 concert but ended up experiencing an evening marred by unjust treatment.
According to Williams, she had purchased two coveted floor seats for the concert, seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. However, her excitement quickly turned into disappointment and frustration shortly after arriving at NRG Stadium.
As Williams and her sister entered the stadium, they connected with friends already inside. However, things took an unexpected turn when one of her friends encountered difficulty transferring tickets due to a lack of cell phone service. He briefly stepped outside the gates while still staying within the designated area.
A staff member of ASM Global, the management company overseeing NRG Stadium, approached Williams’s friend and informed him of a strict no-reentry policy. Despite explaining that he had not left the gated area and had supposedly received assurance from another staff member, the situation escalated when additional security personnel got involved.
Williams, concerned for her friend, says she approached the gate to retrieve her phone. While making her way, she says more security personnel arrived, including someone who claimed to be a manager. They allegedly began questioning her, causing further delay.
Amid this confusion, Williams’s two friends who had been waiting with the ticket-transfering friend pointed out the staff member who initially allowed him to stay beside her. Williams states that she approached her, seeking clarification, but the situation took a concerning turn.
A white staff member from ASM Global joined the conversation and allegedly attempted to dismiss Williams and her friends. When questioned about why her friend couldn’t reenter the stadium, Williams alleges that the staff member responded with a racially charged comment, saying she would explain if they put their phones down.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Williams and her friends say they complied but were met with further disappointment when the staff member refused to explain and instead called the police.
According to Williams, Houston police arrived and, without addressing their concerns, escorted the group off the stadium property. Her friend returned her phone but was not allowed back inside the venue. Williams and her sister, waiting inside for her, had to resort to FaceTime to catch glimpses of the concert until they lost phone service.
Williams, in sharing her experience, not only seeks a refund but also demands accountability for what she perceives as racial profiling and unjust treatment. This incident has cast a shadow over an event she had eagerly anticipated for months, highlighting the importance of addressing issues of discrimination within public venues.
At press time, ASM Global has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations, but Williams’s account has sparked discussions about the need for greater awareness and sensitivity when dealing with concertgoers of all backgrounds.
Be’n Original
