Beyoncé Slammed For Sampling Challenger Disaster Audio in New Song

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Beyoncé has come under some scutiny for sampling an audio clip from the challenger disaster in her new song, “XO”. The clip, at the beginning of the song, was taken from a 1986 audio in which the space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded almost immediately after takeoff and killed seven crew members. In the intro of the song NASA’s public affairs officer at the time, Steve Nesbitt can be heard saying, “Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction.” Family members of the deceased are upset at the use of the audio clip. 

The widow Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, June Scobee Rodgers, issued a statement saying, “We were disappointed to learn that an audio clip from the day we lost our heroic Challenger crew was used in the song ‘XO’. The moment included in this song is an emotionally difficult one for the Challenger families, colleagues and friends. We have always chosen to focus not on how our loved ones were lost, but rather on how they lived and how their legacy lives on today.” 

Beyonce reacted to the criticism by telling ABCNews, “My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster. The song ‘XO’ was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you. The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten.”

Nasa Watch wants the sample removed!

 

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