A Beyoncé tribute act said she is “not racist” after being accused of planning to darken her skin with make-up for a Welsh music event.
Leanne Harper, 31, is due to sing at Tribute in the Park at Rhondda Heritage Park later this month but a petition has been set up to get her act axed.
In May, Leanne was accused of using “blackface” which is a form of theatrical make-up used to impersonate a black person.
Plaid Cymru leader and Rhondda AM Leanne Wood has called for the Rhondda festival’s line-up to be changed.
In a letter to Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan, she said she was “surprised” that “blackface” is still present in today’s society.
The letter reads: “It has come to my attention that one of the singers booked to perform will be darkening her skin to emulate Beyoncé and a member of Little Mix.
“I was surprised to hear that this practice, known as ‘black face’, is still going on in the entertainment industry.
“It is a relic of the past when society was more racist than it is today.
“I urge you, as council leader, to take swift action to ensure that the line-up is amended to bring it into the 21st century.”
Leanne, who has been performing her Beyoncé tribute act for six years, said: “I’ve performed the show for six years without any problems.
“But in May we had backlash when we were due to perform at Durham Pride.
“When the advertising poster for the event was designed, a filter was put over my picture which made me look really dark.
“It was ridiculous. No one looks like that.”
She said the accusations led to her receiving death threats.
Even though the singer, from Sheffield, admitted to wearing fake tan and bronzer on stage before she was due to perform at the festival in May, she claims to no longer use these products.
She has also stopped performing some of Beyoncé’s songs that directly refer to African-American culture.
Leanne, who also impersonates Lady Gaga and Jessie J, said she just wants to work hard for her family.
She said: “I’m just a mum who wants to do my job well and go home.
“I would never want to upset or offend anyone.
“I have never wanted to be famous - I just want to sing and be a good tribute artist.
“The worst part about it is that my work is not being criticised.
“People aren’t saying anything bad about the show - it’s just because I’m white.”
The singer described the experience as “awful”.
“People say I’m racist, but I’m not,” she added.
“It’s really upsetting.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said it was satisfied that there are no concerns regarding Leanne Harper’s performance at Tribute in the Park on August 28.
In a letter to Ms Wood, Mr Morgan said the council takes issues concerning diversity and equality “extremely seriously”.
He wrote: “In response to the allegations, the council has sought assurances from the artist, who also performs in the Little Mix tribute act, and she categorically refutes any suggestion that she engages in this offensive and outdated practice.
“The council has also conducted further inquiries into the matter and is now satisfied that there are no apparent diversity and equality concerns, and as such, the artist will be allowed to perform at the event.”
