Kanye West dramatically banned from Dubai nightspot

Twenty-one time Grammy winner Kanye West won’t be gracing the floor at Societe any time soon. Valerie Macon / AFP photo

Rap superstar Kanye West has been attracting criticism across the board since his controversial Grammy outburst that Beck, the winner of the Best Album gong, should “respect artistry,” and give his award to Beyoncé.

In a biting Facebook post, Garbage singer Shirley Manson noted: “In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own. Grow up and stop throwing your toys around. You are making yourself look like a complete tw*t.”

Manson added: “I am pretty certain Beyoncé doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.”

The criticism hasn’t just come from the rock fraternity either. West’s buddy and fellow rapper John Legend commented: “Beck won his award fair and square. Beck is super talented and I have several of his albums and I’ve listened to him for a long time. I think people were surprised that he won but that doesn’t mean he’s not deserving, that just means people thought other people were going to win too.”

Sports stars got in on the act too — Super Bowl winning American footballer Brandon Browner of the New England Patriots tweeted: “KANYE WEST is a sucka! Everybody don’t listen to Beyoncé. Second time he tried to steal somebody shine. First time it was a 15 yr old girl.”

Beck himself has maintained a dignified stance since the affair, although unnamed sources close to the multi-instrumentalist did note that 68 people had worked on Beyonce’s album, while Beck wrote every song and played every instrument on his own album.

Now, however, in perhaps the most damning criticism so far, popular Dubai club Societe has banned West from its Dubai and Jumeirah venues in protest at his outburst.

Kanye was unavailable for comment but Societe boss Gary Holliday said: “Everyone loves Kanye’s music. I love Kanye’s music. Societe loves his music. But sometimes you need to take a stand, so we have decided he is no longer part of the Societe family. He is banned for two months. However, if this man, who is obviously an icon across the globe, should mend his ways then we will reconsider our position.”

Societe is no stranger to celebrities in Dubai, having played host on various occasions to TOWIE stars Lucy Mecklenburgh and Lewis Blor, footballing legends Teddy Sheringham and Lee Sharp, and music icons Shola Ama, Haddaway, 2Unlimited, Lisa Stansfield and D-ream. Kanye is doubtless gutted he won’t be among them for the foreseeable future.