Pop superstar Beyonce has rejected criticism that her new activism is “anti-police,” saying she is tired of being assigned labels.
Beyonce caused a stir in February with her new song “Formation,” whose video was heavy in imagery from the Black Lives Matter protest movement including a scene in which police raise their hands up as if under arrest.
“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,” she said in an interview with Elle magazine that came out Tuesday.
“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,” she said.
Beyonce suggested that the criticism was a case of attacking the messenger, calling the video a celebration of Black History Month and of feelings “there long before a video and long before me.”
Courtesy of AFP
