Controversy has not been much of a issue involving Las Vegas Strip residency headliners and performers over the years. Most of the acts coming to Sin City for residencies have been free from having conflicts that could disrupt enjoyable engagements.
Despite Michael Jackson having numerous sexual misconduct accusations with children during his lifetime, the King of Pop has not been off limits on the Strip. Mandalay Bay has hosted a Cirque du Soleil show "Michael Jackson ONE" since 2013. "M.J. The Evolution" celebrated Jackson at Mosaic on the Strip until July 2022, and The Shoppes at Mandalay Place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino just finished its Michael Jackson Blue Sapphire Celebration Immersive Event Aug. 27-29.
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Santana's insensitive comments on stage
Legendary rock star Carlos Santana, who has performed a recent residency on the Strip, however created some controversy in August and needed to issue an apology to the transgender community after making insensitive comments during a concert in Atlantic City, N.J. Santana apologized after a video from the concert began circulating on social media with his comments about transgender individuals.
Santana said in the offensive video: "When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are. Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
“I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” the guitarist added, bringing his hands together, The Hollywood Reporter said. Chappelle has been criticized for past transgender community material used in his stand-up sets.
Santana issued a statement in August containing his apology.
“I am sorry for my insensitive comments," Santana wrote. "They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs. I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended.
“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace,” Santana concluded.
Rock legend returning for 2024 residency
The "Maria Maria" performer's apology must have satisfied Vegas residency promoters as the legend has signed on to extend his "An Intimate Evening With Santana" residency at the House of Blues at MGM Resorts International's MGM Mandalay Bay for 15 more dates: Jan. 24, 26, 28, 31; Feb. 2-4; May 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22 and 23, 2024.
Tickets for the extended Santana residency go on sale Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. Pacific time through Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. A ticket presale is currently underway for Citi Cardmembers and Official Platinum members. The performance also include special packages, including Up Close and Personal Package and an Intimate Package.
Santana, who has performed over 300 shows at House of Blues, performs eight already scheduled dates at the venue Nov. 1, 3-5, 8, 10-12, 2023.
