TikTok’s ‘Thank You, Beyoncé’ Meme and Bizarre ‘She Knows’ Conspiracy Explained
3 min read
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Beyoncé has once again captured the internet’s attention, this time in the form of a viral meme. TikTok is filled with users humorously thanking the global superstar as part of a new trend that seems to credit her with immense power. The ‘Thank You, Beyoncé’ meme comes in the wake of another online phenomenon, the ‘She Knows’ conspiracy theory, both of which have taken the internet by storm.
The trend involves TikTokers thanking Beyoncé during mundane activities—whether sneezing, submitting assignments, or making decisions. The meme implies that by uttering her name, people avoid misfortune or attract good luck, as though Beyoncé holds mystical influence over their lives. The idea of not thanking her or skipping one of her songs on streaming platforms is seen as a potential cause of bad luck.
This is what happens when you don't thank Beyoncé pic.twitter.com/BmZvGAGgqy
— nym🎀 (@phonymzki) October 11, 2024
The Meme’s Connection to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Arrest
The ‘Thank You, Beyoncé’ meme gained traction after music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in Brooklyn on September 16. Diddy is currently facing serious charges, including s*x trafficking and racketeering, which led to widespread discussions online. Following his arrest, conspiracy theories linking Diddy, Beyoncé, and her husband Jay-Z to nefarious activities resurfaced, giving birth to both the meme and the trend.
While Beyoncé had no direct connection to Diddy’s legal troubles, her name began circulating in memes, with people humorously acting as though thanking her could protect them from bad luck or chaos.
Make sure u thank Beyoncé today or you’re next on her list pic.twitter.com/cL52LZ9TDk
— ★ I SAW MUVA TWICE ★ (@Asmr_Unique) October 7, 2024
The History Behind ‘Thanking’ Beyoncé
This isn’t the first time people have publicly thanked Beyoncé in unexpected ways. During the 2017 Grammy Awards, pop icon Adele won Album of the Year but spent much of her acceptance speech praising Beyoncé, calling her “the artist of her life.” In a moment that’s become legendary, Adele even broke her Grammy trophy, some say intentionally, to share it with Beyoncé.
Other stars have followed suit. Jay-Z himself thanked his wife in his Grammy speech, while Lizzo also gave her a shoutout during her award acceptance. One of the most infamous moments in award show history occurred when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards to declare that “Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time.”
The ‘She Knows’ Conspiracy Theory Explained
The meme has also brought attention back to the ‘She Knows’ conspiracy theory, named after J. Cole’s 2013 hit song. The theory suggests that Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Diddy may have been involved in the deaths of legendary artists Aaliyah, Left Eye (Lisa Lopes), and Michael Jackson. Internet users claim that J. Cole hinted at this in his song, which mentions the deaths of the three icons with the lyrics, “Rest in peace to Aaliyah/ Rest in peace to Left Eye/ Michael Jackson, I’ll see you as soon as I die.”
Conspiracy theorists found it suspicious that all three stars died on the 25th of their respective months—Aaliyah in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, Left Eye in a car accident on April 25, 2002, and Jackson from cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009. Adding fuel to the fire, fans noted that Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Diddy all share birthdates on the 4th, leading some to speculate that they are somehow involved in orchestrating these tragedies.
It’s important to stress that there is no solid evidence supporting these conspiracy theories. The ‘She Knows’ theory and the ‘Thank You, Beyoncé’ meme are more products of internet speculation and meme culture than anything factual.
Ultimately, the viral trend on TikTok shows how quickly pop culture can morph into something humorous and bizarre. As always, Beyoncé remains a beloved figure at the center of the internet’s attention—whether people are thanking her out of admiration, humor, or superstition.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
