Beyoncé on "Formation": "Anyone Who Perceives My Message as Anti-Police Is Completely Mistaken"

Beyoncé also reveals what's next for her in the new 'ELLE' cover story.

beyonce elle april 2016 cover

Image via Elle

beyonce elle april 2016 cover

Beyoncé is opening up about the public reception to "Formation," which she dropped a few months back. Following its release, many accused the singer of being anti-police. Some even attempted to boycott Bey's Super Bowl performance. In a new cover story with Elle, Bey explains the true meaning of her controversial single. "I mean, I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood," she says. "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 the officers who sacrifice themselves to keeps us safe." However, she also has a strong opinion on police brutality noting, "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 part of a conversation that is pushing things forward in a positive way."

The interview also focuses on Beyoncé's new activewear brand, Ivy Park. Still, the multi-talented singer, actress, and mother talks about what's next. "I hope I can create art that helps people heal. Art that makes people feel proud of their struggle," she says, most likely referencing "Formation." "Everyone experiences pain but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform. Pain is not pretty—but I wasn't able to hold my daughter in my arms until I experienced the pain of childbirth." If this quote is any indication, we can look forward to even more incredible singles like "Formation" in the future. You can read Beyoncé's full interview here.

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