Outrage has swept through New York City’s LGBTQ community following the fatal stabbing of O’Shae Sibley, a 28-year-old professional dancer. The incident occurred at a gas station in Brooklyn on Saturday, August 3, after a confrontation between a group of friends dancing to a Beyoncé song and a group of young men who took offense. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
O’Shae Sibley, who had performed with the dance company Philadanco in Philadelphia and New York, used dance as a way to celebrate his LGBTQ identity. Tributes have poured in from his friends, family, and colleagues, including a tribute from Beyoncé herself on her website.
Details surrounding the stabbing remain scarce, with police yet to comment on the possible motive. However, a friend who was present during the incident, Otis Pena, pleaded with authorities to take action, stating in an emotional Facebook video that Sibley “died because he stood up for his friends.”
Contrary to initial reports that suggested Sibley was stabbed while dancing, security camera footage obtained by several news organizations reveals a more complex situation. The video shows members of Sibley’s group engaging in a dance-like strut before Sibley himself walks toward a young man with whom he appears to be having a conversation. The situation escalates as a small crowd gathers, but eventually, both groups walk away. However, Sibley and his friends abruptly turn back, seemingly angered by something the young man said. The footage becomes unclear after this point, making it difficult to determine when the stabbing occurred or who was responsible.
A witness, Summy Ullah, who was present at the scene, told the Daily News that the young men had been harassing Sibley’s group because they found their behavior offensive. Ullah stated that they had told Sibley’s group, “Oh, we’re Muslim, so don’t do this in front of me.” He added, “Nothing else was going on. They were only dancing,” referring to the victim’s group.
The death of O’Shae Sibley has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ community, and a “Justice for O’Shae Sibley” memorial is planned at the Mobil station where the incident occurred. A vigil will also be held at Manhattan’s LGBTQ Community Center to honor Sibley’s memory. A celebration of life ceremony is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia next week.
Beyoncé has joined the chorus of voices expressing their grief at Sibley’s untimely death, with her website now displaying the message, “Rest in power O’Shae Sibley.” Authorities continue their investigation into the incident, as friends and loved ones mourn the loss of a talented dancer and advocate for LGBTQ rights.
