Two months after the video release and Super Bowl halftime performance of "Formation," Beyoncé is finally responding to the critics who deemed the singer’s message in the song as "divisive" and an attack on police officers.
In a new interview with Elle magazine, the Grammy Award-winner said those who perceive the song’s message as anti-police are "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," she said to Elle. "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."
Since the video's release in February, several police unions across the country have threatened to boycott Bey's upcoming "Formation World Tour."
Despite the massive backlash, many fans have also celebrated the singer's decision to incorporate messages relating to black culture into her music. Moving forward, the 34-year-old said she hopes her art will continue to help people heal and feel proud.
"Everyone experiences pain, but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform," she added.
Get in “Formation” ladies and gentleman, Queen Bey is on a clear path to heal the masses!
Read more of Beyoncé’s Elle magazine interview here.
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