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- Beenie Man faced social media backlash from Trinidad and Tobago after comments on New York's Hot 97 regarding carnival origins.
- The artist suggested Jamaica started carnival before Trinidad and Tobago and credited Byron Lee.
- Beenie Man subsequently apologized and clarified that he confused his memories of local carnival history with the broader historical timeline.
- The incident follows a previous apology he issued to Trinidadians in February 2025 over comments about doubles.
Dancehall artist Beenie Man has faced social media backlash from Trinidad and Tobago following remarks made during a New York radio interview regarding carnival origins. During an appearance on Hot 97, the deejay suggested that Jamaica initiated carnival celebrations before Trinidad and Tobago, attributing the development to late Jamaican music pioneer Byron Lee.
Following online criticism, the entertainer issued an apology and clarification on social media. Acknowledging that he got his history wrong, he explained that he had confused his memories of Byron Lee's contribution to carnival in Jamaica with the wider history of the celebration, emphasizing his respect for Trinidad and Tobago's culture. This follows a previous apology in February 2025 regarding comments made about the Trinidadian food item doubles.