Beyoncé Addresses Formation Backlash

 

When Beyoncé first released her music video for Formation, the Beyhive was in absolute awe. Her fans were thrilled to have received more music from Queen Bey and the Internet was jazzed to hear about a potential new album from the star. But there was a group, however, who wasn't exactly pleased with Bey's project.

Some felt the Crazy in Love songstress was using her music video as a way to criticize police. The video for Formation shows footage of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and features Black Lives Matter imagery. In Elle magazine's new issue, Beyoncé addresses the backlash of her latest project. She said “I mean, I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken. I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. But let's be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things”.

Although Beyoncé explains where she and her video were coming from, she doesn't back down in defending her art. She said “If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me. I'm proud of what we created and I'm proud to be part of a conversation that is pushing things forward in a positive way”.

Beyoncé is hoping her work will help others do what's right saying “I hope I can create art that helps people heal. Art that makes people feel proud of their struggle. Everyone experiences pain, but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform”