Authorities have confirmed that unreleased music by global superstar Beyoncé was among several valuable items stolen from a vehicle in Atlanta. This theft occurred just days before the singer's highly anticipated four-night stop in the city as part of her Cowboy Carter tour. The incident highlights the risks that artists and their teams face, even in seemingly safe environments.
The theft took place on July 8, two days prior to Beyoncé's first performance in Atlanta. A police report revealed that hard drives containing unreleased songs, show plans, and both past and future set lists for her tour were taken from a rental car. This vehicle was used by the singer's choreographer, Christopher Grant, and one of her dancers, Diandre Blue.
According to the police report, Grant and Blue parked the rented Black Jeep Wagoneer and entered a nearby food hall. Upon returning, they discovered that the vehicle's rear window had been smashed, and two suitcases were missing. The stolen items included sensitive materials intended for Beyoncé.
The stolen property comprised five jump drives that contained watermarked versions of unreleased music, as well as plans for past and future shows. Additionally, the report mentions that personal items including a laptop, designer clothing, and Apple AirPods were also taken during the incident. The loss of such critical materials poses a challenge for the artist, especially with her ongoing tour.
In response to the theft, Atlanta police have issued an arrest warrant, although the name of the suspect has not yet been disclosed. Authorities are actively investigating the case, having used tracking information from the stolen laptop and headphones to trace the potential whereabouts of the items. They also dusted the vehicle for fingerprints, uncovering two very light prints, which may provide further leads in the investigation.
Despite the unsettling incident, Beyoncé has continued her tour in Atlanta, performing to enthusiastic crowds since July 10. Her final show in the city was scheduled for Monday night. Notably, her husband, Jay-Z, made a surprise appearance during the third night of her performances, delighting fans and making headlines.
The situation surrounding the theft of Beyoncé's unreleased music and personal belongings serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with fame. As the investigation unfolds, fans and industry insiders alike are hopeful for a swift resolution and the recovery of the stolen items.
The BBC has reached out to a representative for Beyoncé for further comment on the incident, underscoring the ongoing interest in this high-profile case.
