Lizzo's Crystal Flute Moment Reminds Fans That James Madison Owned Slaves

Lizzo made history on Tuesday when she played a centuries-old crystal flute once owned by former President James Madison at her concert in Washington, D.C. Now, some on social media are airing dark details from the Founding Father's controversial legacy.

Video of Lizzo playing the flute went viral on social media after the singer tweeted a clip.

"NOBODY HAS EVER HEARD THIS FAMOUS CRYSTAL FLUTE BEFORE. NOW YOU HAVE. IM THE FIRST & ONLY PERSON TO EVER PLAY THIS PRESIDENTIAL 200-YEAR-OLD CRYSTAL FLUTE— THANK YOU @librarycongress," Lizzo wrote in a tweet, adding a heart emoji. NPR noted that the instrument has been played by at least one other person.

Although Lizzo received glowing responses from fans, the Library of Congress—which lent her the flute—tweeted that it'd heard from detractors who claimed to fear for the instrument's well-being. The library sought to reassure folks that before the concert, curators had checked that the flute "could be played without damage."

The Library of Congress also let its Twitter followers know after Lizzo's performance that the flute had been returned.

"We just did a DNA test. Turns out: It's 100% that [crystal] flute @lizzo played at her D.C. stop on the #SpecialTour tonight. It's safe & sound back at the Library now," its Twitter account wrote.

Other celebrities have also recently appeared in public with historical artifacts.

Kim Kardashian, for instance, attended this year's Met Gala in a gown once worn by Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. But unlike Lizzo—whose playing apparently hasn't damaged the instrument—allegations soon mounted that the Monroe dress had sustained ripped fabric and missing crystals.

Some on social media began to push back on those who expressed concern for Madison's flute, saying the outrage was rooted in racism. Others reminded Twitter users to refrain from romanticizing the Founding Fathers.

Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of On Repentance and Repair, remarked on the significance of the Lizzo-crystal flute pairing.

"This flute once belonged to enslaver president James Madison," Ruttenberg wrote in a tweet. "And now it is being played by this gorgeous, talented Black woman for all the world to behold."

Tiffany C. Li, a technology attorney and MSNBC columnist, also highlighted the gravity of the moment.

"Lizzo, a Black female superstar, collaborating with Carla Hayden, the first African American and first woman Librarian of Congress, to use a flute from James Madison, the Founding Father who originated the 3/5 Compromise and also the Library of Congress itself? The symbolism!!!" Li tweeted.

Other social media users also brought up the fact that Madison was a slaveholder.

"James Madison was the Post presidential Susan Collins of his time. He owned 136 slaves while in office," Twitter user @HassanSayyed wrote. "After his last term he advocated against slavery and its impact on society while still owning 36, and not even freeing them via will once he died. PLAY THAT THANG LIZZO!"

Another Twitter user joked that Madison is likely turning in his grave.

"Just thinking about how James Madison's slave-owning a** would be horrified by this and it tickles me so very much," tweeted user @historyofjess.

Newsweek has reached out to a Lizzo representative for comment.