In recent years, a noticeable pattern has emerged where celebrities express gratitude to Beyoncé in their acceptance speeches, even when she had no direct involvement with their winning projects.

This seemingly harmless gesture has sparked discussions on social media, especially after Lizzo and Adele used their Grammy wins to thank Beyoncé. The trend, however, is now facing backlash as conspiracy theorists link it to the ongoing legal issues surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, with some claiming that celebrities may be paying tribute to Beyoncé to maintain good favor within the entertainment industry.

It all started gaining attention in 2017, when Adele, upon winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, famously declared that Beyoncé’s Lemonade was the rightful winner. Adele emotionally stated, “I can’t possibly accept this award… but the artist of my life is Beyoncé.” This moment captured the hearts of many, but for some, it raised questions about why Adele chose to praise another artist in such a moment.

In 2023, Lizzo followed suit. While accepting the award for Record of the Year, she shared how Beyoncé had been her inspiration since she attended her first Destiny’s Child concert. These speeches were heartwarming and genuine, but recent developments have added a new layer of speculation. Some social media users are now drawing parallels between these moments and the legal issues surrounding Diddy, suggesting that these tributes to Beyoncé are more than just admiration​.

This year, Diddy’s name has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The music mogul was arrested in September 2024 on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. As the case against him unfolds, it has put a spotlight on his connections within the music industry. Many high-profile artists, some of whom have attended Diddy’s infamous parties, are now under scrutiny for their association with him.

Interestingly, instead of focusing solely on Diddy, some social media users have shifted their attention towards Beyoncé, accusing her of having too much influence in the industry. These conspiracy theories suggest that artists praise her to avoid her disfavor, much like how actors once thanked disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in their award speeches​.

While these theories may seem far-fetched, they’ve gained traction, with some even speculating that Beyoncé’s association with figures like Diddy has kept her protected from the darker side of the industry. Although no evidence supports such claims, the intertwining of these narratives has sparked heated discussions across social media platforms.

Much of the speculation also revolves around Diddy’s notorious parties, which have been the subject of many rumors over the years. Known for their extravagance, these gatherings often attracted Hollywood’s elite, including artists who are now facing scrutiny for their continued association with Diddy. As his legal troubles worsen, more details about these events have come to light, and it’s believed that many attendees may have been aware of or involved in questionable activities.

Given the nature of the allegations against Diddy, conspiracy theorists argue that celebrities, who might have attended these parties or had ties to him, now distance themselves by publicly aligning with figures like Beyoncé.

The trend of celebrities thanking Beyoncé might have started as a genuine expression of admiration, but in the wake of Diddy’s legal troubles, it has been co-opted by conspiracy theories that question the motives behind these tributes. As the case against Diddy progresses, it remains to be seen how the narrative will evolve, but one thing is clear: the intersection of music, fame, and scandal is a complicated one, and the public is paying close attention.