A ROW has broken out at a Pride event after a fake tan wearing Beyonce tribute act was accused of blackface.

Leanne Harper, a Beyonce tribute act booked to perform at Durham Pride this weekend, became the subject of death threats after commentators objected to her use of fake tan to make her skin appear darker. 

Comments made during a “heated” online argument are being investigated as a possible hate crime.

A Durham Police spokeswoman said: “A 20-year-old Durham man was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill following comments made on social media.

"He has since been cautioned for racially aggravated public order.”

Ms Harper, who has been performing under the name of Beeyonce for more than five years, said: “I’ve never had any sort of issue with the act before so it’s been a huge shock. I don’t try to be disrespectful or discriminative towards anyone. If the issue is fake tan then I’m sorry. It’s normal St Tropez – it’s what I put on before going out as myself.”

She has apologised for any offence caused and has agreed to perform on Monday without the use of fake tan. 

Philip Mullen, who helps run the event, said: “The timing of this is not brilliant, but I think it’s an opportunity to learn from each other so we can move forward and be more inclusive.”

A Durham Pride spokesman said: “At Durham Pride we recognise the difficulties that BME and ethnic communities face in society and within the LGBT community. Durham Pride is for everybody who supports our values of diversity and inclusion. We look forward to working productively with everyone, especially those from BME and ethnic communities, to work towards an inclusive event and county.”

This will be the fourth time Ms Harper, who bills herself as the UK’s leading tribute act to the US superstar, has been involved in Durham Pride.