On 16 June, the 55-year-old came under fire from LGBTQ+ social media users after he was caught liking various offensive tweets about the LGBTQ+ community.
Some of the tweets included one calling for Disney to be defunded due to them hosting a Pride concert.
Another tweet he liked criticised a trans and non-binary inclusive menstruation campaign, with the post’s caption stating: “Only women have periods! Men cannot menstruate. Transgender ‘women’ cannot menstruate.”
Lastly, the Take That singer’s Twitter likes also included offensive tweets from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate, and conspiracy theorists peddling false information about COVID-19 and vaccinations.
“FYI, Howard from Take That is headlining this while these are his likes,” one Twitter user wrote.
Notts Pride, which is a separate Pride celebration from Groovebox Pride Festival, echoed similar sentiments in their own Twitter statement.
“It has been brought to our attention that there has been some anti LGBTQ+ endorsement from a performer at Groovebox Pride Festival which has not been organised by Notts Pride,” the group tweeted.
FYI, Howard from Take That is headlining this while these are in his likes https://t.co/JWZIrVzJB6 pic.twitter.com/6BU4rhn2Gy
— dylan (@ohlookitsdylan) June 16, 2023
“We are really concerned about this and we reject Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in our City.”
On 17 June, Groovebox Pride Festival announced that Donald would no longer be headling the event via their Instagram page.
“In light of recent events, Howard Donald will no longer be playing at our Nottingham Pride Festival on Saturday 29th July at Binks Yard,” they said.
“We would like to offer our thanks to the public for alerting us to the situation this morning and also appreciate your patience whilst we spoke to the relevant parties.”
Following his removal from the LGBTQ+ event, Donald took to his Instagram story to apologise for liking the various vile and anti-LGBTQ+ posts.
“I have made a huge error in my judgment liking social media posts that are derogatory towards the LGBTQIA+ community ad for that, I am deeply sorry, and I know I have let everyone down,” he wrote.
“I am really disappointed in myself and I am sorry for any hurt that I have caused by my uneducated actions. I clearly have a lot to learn and it’s a priority for me that I do this.”
In light of Donald’s removal, organisers informed attendees that they are working on confirming the singer’s replacement.
As of this writing, Groovebox Pride Festival is set to feature Horse Meat Disco, Tayce, Danny Beard, Sam Sax & Essel.