Beyoncé says critics who call her anti-police are 'completely mistaken'

Beyonce states she is not anti-police in latest interview.

(Image credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

published 5 April 2016

The Queen has spoken: Beyoncé defended herself against claims that she is anti-police in a rare interview given to Elle. While most of the questions in the interview centered around the creation of her new athletic fashion line, Beyoncé also addressed criticisms that first arose after the release of her music video for "Formation."

The video, set in New Orleans, features Beyoncé perched atop a half- submerged police car and shows a child dancing in front of police wearing riot gear. The song was also performed during Beyoncé's Super Bowl halftime show and was slammed by members of the National Sheriff's Association; the Miami Fraternal Order of Police even urged a boycott of Beyoncé's world tour for what was preceived as an anti-police Black Lives Matter message.

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What do you feel people don't understand about who you really are, and in particular about the message you've put forward with "Formation"?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. 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 a part of a conversation that is pushing things forward in a positive way. [Elle]

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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