Tina Turner fans have slammed power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z for the reference to the late star's abuse at the hands of her husband Ike Turner in their global hit, Drunk In Love.
The song, which was released back in 2013, hear's Jay-Z rap: "I'm Ike, Turner, turn up / Baby no I don't play / Now eat the cake, Anna Mae / I said eat the cake, Anna Mae."
Following the death of music icon Tina, fans of the Proud Mary singer have took to social media to slam Beyoncé and her husband for their 'vile' reference to the singer's abuse.
The reference is in relation to when Tina - whose real name was Anna Mae Bullock - was in a diner when a number of fans flocked to her to ask for her autograph.
When the fans failed to ask Ike for his signature, he attacked Tina by forcing cake in her mouth and saying: "Eat the cake, Anna Mae".
Following Beyoncé and Jay-Z's references to the horrific incident, and following Tina's death, Twitter has flooded with fury from fans, who have demanded an apology from the married couple.
"Drunk In Love was a tragic example of the incomparable #TinaTurner being mocked and her abuse being dismissed," one voiced.
"Beyoncé and Jay-Z should be ashamed of themselves. They need to issue an apology for that. I never knew what that reference was about but after learning of it I have a sickening feeling in my stomach. Horrid," another echoed.
Another fumed: "Still mad at beyonce and Jay-Z for that Tina Turner abuse reference. I love Bey but she rubs me the wrong way sometimes. How is Tina Turner one of your biggest inspirations but you were okay with Jay-Z using that line in Drunk in Love."
Someone else added: "They need to be cancelled once and for all. This is outrageous. So many people never knew what those words meant. I'm expecting a grovelling apology from these a**holes."
"I was so disgusted when I understood the reference. Stopped listening to Drunk in Love for that reason alone," another Tina Turner fan shared.
Following the news of Tina's untimely death, Beyonce honored the music icon in a gushing post.
"My beloved queen. I love you endlessly," she wrote. "I'm so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion."
"We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done."
Beyonce has frequently referred to Tina as her biggest musical inspiration.
The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll died after a long illness at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich in Switzerland.
Tina's spokesman confirmed she died 'peacefully' at home and added: "With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model. With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations.”
Her official Instagram added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow.
"Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly."
Roger Davies, the singer’s manager of 30 years, paid tribute to the star, saying: “Tina was a unique and remarkable force of nature with her strength, incredible energy and immense talent.
“From the first day I met her in 1980, she believed in herself completely when few others did at that time.
“It was a privilege and an honour to have been a close friend as well as her manager for more than 30 years. I will miss her deeply.”
