Beyonce's video for "Formation" turned a lot of heads and sparked controversy for its alleged anti-police imagery. But in an exclusive interview in May's Elle, the singer said anyone who believes she's anti-cop is "completely mistaken."
Beyonce addressed that and several other issues that continuously cause so much chatter, such as her video for "Formation," in which the singer is shown "standing on a New Orleans Police car as it's submerged in water," according to EUR.
The single, in addition to her Super Bowl 50 halftime performance, was interpreted by many as a political message, according to Business Insider. But for Beyonce, the video and performance were both just expressions of her art.
"I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood," she said. "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."
Police brutality isn't the only injustice the 34-year-old confronts -- she also firmly believes in equal rights for women and is an unapologetic feminist. In her song "Flawless," the I Am... Sasha Fierce singer included the definition of the word "feminist" in an effort to counter the negative associations with the word.
"I'm not really sure people know or understand what a feminist is, but it's very simple: It's someone who believes in equal rights for men and women," she said. "When we talk about equal rights, there are issues that face women disproportionately. ...Working to make those inequalities go away is being a feminist, but more importantly, it makes me a humanist. 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."
Beyonce has faced down stereotypes of women in business in her music career and in other ventures like her own clothing line, Ivy Park. However, the superstar wants fans to know her for her art, if nothing else.
"I hope I can create art that helps people heal," the former Destiny's Child member said. "Art that makes people feel proud of their struggle."
