"F**k that stupid-a**, dumba** bitch" - Phoebe Bridgers hurls abuse at Margaret Court during her Melbourne concert
American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers recently sparked controversy after leading a vulgar chant insulting tennis legend Margaret Court at her Melbourne concert.
Considered one of the greatest to ever grace the sport, Court leads the chart for most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's tennis with 24 wins. With 19 Grand Slam doubles titles and 21 mixed doubles titles, she has won a total of 64 Grand Slam titles across all categories.
Bridgers, a four-time Grammy Award nominee, on Wednesday performed at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne. During the show, the 28-year-old singer started a foul-mouthed chant directed towards the Australian legend.
“So, Margaret Court. F*** that stupid***, dumb*** b****. F*** that stupid c***. Change your name!”
"I think hate is undervalued. I think it’s like a f***ing weird, white supremacist idea that hate is bad, or something? You know what I mean? It’s like hate is like what moves things throughout history. I hate that stupid b****! Hate is like how you protect yourself. What, are you never supposed to be angry, ever?," Bridgers continued.
Born in Albury, Australia, Court has become a very strong voice in opposing same-sex marriages in recent years. Her negative views on homosexuality and same-sex marriage have often been criticized by fellow tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, and Rennae Stubbs, among others. Her views have led to growing calls to rename the Margaret Court Arena.
Margaret Court shed light on being an "outcast" despite winning being a tennis icon
Margaret Court has often been criticized due to her views on homosexuality. Speaking to the Telegraph last year, the Australian revealed how the media has treated her in recent times.
“It’s very sad, because a lot of the press and television today, particularly in tennis, don’t want to mention my name. It’s only when they have to, because I still hold so many records," Court said. "In 2020, I was meant to be coming to Wimbledon for the 50th anniversary of my calendar grand slam. But then Covid hit, so the honour never happened."
During the 2023 Australian Open, Court was scrutinized following her remarks on the LGBTQIA+ community.
"I've nothing against homosexual people. I help them to overcome," Court said. "We have people who have been homosexual who are now married."
"Politically correct education has masterfully escorted homosexuality out from behind closed doors, into the community openly and now is aggressively demanding marriage rights that are not theirs to take," she added.