Beyonce Addresses Accusations That ‘Formation’ Is Anti-Police

Ever since Beyonce released her “Formation” video, she has been accused of spreading a hateful message towards law enforcement. In her interview with Elle, the R&B superstar defends herself against such accusations and insist that she’s not anti-police.

“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,” said Beyonce. “But let’s be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things.”

Queen Bey's Super Bowl 50 performance also drew some flack from critics, particularly with former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who felt her dancers dressed as the Black Panthers and the tribute to Malcolm X was a direct slap at police officers.

However, Beyonce saw her performance as a celebration of black womanhood and pride. “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,” she said.

The R&B mom added that she doesn't mind being called a feminist but she would rather be recognized as a humanist.

“I don’t like or embrace any label. I don’t want calling myself a feminist to make it feel like that’s my one priority, over racism or sexism or anything else,” she explained. “I’m just exhausted by labels and tired of being boxed in. If you believe in equal rights, the same way society allows a man to express his darkness, to express his pain, to express his sexuality, to express his opinion - I feel that women have the same rights.”

You can read Beyonce's entire interview at Elle.com.