Beyoncé’s Ex-Dancer Ashley Everett Reflects on 2016 Proposal: “It Looked Like a Fairytale, But It Marked the Start of a Downhill Journey”
In a revelation that shocked fans of Beyoncé’s iconic “Formation” tour, longtime dance captain Ashley Everett has opened up about the 2016 onstage proposal that once captivated headlines — but ultimately marked the unraveling of her relationship behind the scenes.
Everett, who was Beyoncé’s red-haired right-hand on stage for over a decade, described the moment as surreal. “It looked magical. I was smiling, the crowd was cheering, and everyone thought it was a dream come true,” she shared in a recent interview. “But inside, I was livid.”
The proposal, which took place mid-performance during Beyoncé’s St. Louis concert, was orchestrated as a surprise by Everett’s then-boyfriend, fellow dancer John Silver. Beyoncé herself handed the stage over for the moment, and millions witnessed the touching scene as Everett wiped away tears while accepting the ring.
But as the dancer now reveals, the timing and setting were not as romantic as they seemed. “I’m a very private person, and to have a personal moment like that played out in front of thousands — and later millions online — didn’t sit right with me,” she said. “I felt cornered into smiling, but my instincts told me something was off.”
According to Everett, the aftermath of the proposal brought to light cracks in the relationship that had long been ignored. “We started fighting more. Communication dropped. Expectations changed,” she confessed. “It felt like the proposal wasn’t for us — it was for the world. For the cameras.”
Everett admitted that her silence over the years was fueled by guilt and the desire not to embarrass anyone, especially since many fans still view the proposal as one of the most heartwarming tour moments. But time and healing, she says, have given her the clarity to speak openly.
“It’s not to throw shade or blame. It’s just my truth. That moment wasn’t what it looked like — it was actually the beginning of the end,” she said, adding that she and Silver eventually called off the engagement quietly.
Despite the painful experience, Everett holds no bitterness. “It taught me to trust my gut. It taught me that public fairytales aren’t always private truths,” she reflected. “I’ve grown so much since then, and I’m in a much healthier place now.”
Ashley Everett continues to dance, choreograph, and empower young performers through workshops and mentorship programs. As for love? She’s keeping that part of her life far away from the spotlight this time around.
