Beyonc's Formation video, Super Bowl gig spark uproar

On Sunday night, thepop star quickly drew raves across social media for her powerful, politically chargedSuper Bowl gig, where shejoined headlinerColdplay and fellow guest act Bruno Mars for a high-energyhalftime show.

The New York-based singer, known for her ability to command an audience, stole the spotlight with a dramatic performance of her new track Formation, which features lyrics celebrating black culture.

Dressed in a black, military-inspired costume,Knowles delivered a set that clearly referenced the Black Panthers and included the black power salute. Hersmall army of femaledancers at one point formedan X-shape behind her and were cladinafro hairstylesand berets reminiscent of Black Panthers aesthetic.

• Beyonc's Formation is a powerful "statement of intent"

Unnamed organizers have created a page on the Eventbrite website for an "Anti-Beyonc Protest Rally," calling on similarly minded individuals to gather outside the National Football League's Manhattan headquarters on Feb. 16.

"Are you offended as an American that Beyonc pulled her race-baiting stunt at the Superbowl [sic]? Do you agree that it was a slap in the face to law enforcement? Do you agree that the Black Panthers was/is a hate group which should not be glorified?

In the meantime, a rival event billed as an "Anti-Anti-Beyonc Protest" is calling on supporters to gather at the site at the same time, dressed "in your Formation video/Super Bowl performance-inspired gear" for a counter-protest.

Post-gameuproar

Taken as a whole, her weekendstatement has drawn criticism, including from conservative politicians and pundits who accuse the singer of being anti-police.

"This is football, not Hollywood, andI thoughtit was outrageous that she used [the Super Bowl] as a platform to attack police officers, who are the people who protect her and protect us," former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told a CBS outlet.

"Beyonc may be a gifted entertainer but no one should really care what she thinks about any serious issue confronting our nation," King wrote in his statement.

Toronto municipal politicians have even chimed in, withJim Karygiannis, acitycouncillor, proposing that perhaps thefederal government should investigate and consider banning Beyoncfrom entering Canada referencing a2009 decision to bar pro-PalestinianBritish MP George GallowayfollowingSunday's Super Bowl performance. She is slated to perform in Canada later this spring.

Should Beyonc be banned from Canada?

9 years ago

Duration 9:35

Toronto city councillor Jim Karygiannis says the government should investigate and consider banning Beyonc from entering Canada following her Super Bowl performance, Sandy Hudson of Black Lives Matter Toronto responds to his suggestion

These statements fuelled the fire and inspired a fresh wave of commentary.

"We tend to criticize celebrities for talking about politics, for taking a stand on serious issues...But in our pop culture-crazed, message-driven world, there's no denying celebrity voices can influence the lives of many. Celebrities such as Beyonc, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars are part of a refreshing generation of famous voices who are showing that fame can and should be used to push for social justice," former ESPN VP and ESPN Magazine founding editor Roxanne Jones wrote in a CNN opinion piece.

In a piece published in the New York Daily News,senior justice writerShaun King asked: "Who is King to sayno one" should care aboutBeyonc's opinion onabout serious issues?

"The fact that King so grossly devalued and dehumanized her is not only why this movement exists, it's a pretty good summary of why Congress has historically low approval ratings. You don't get to determine who any of us care about or listen to. Ever."

Race was brought in becauseBeyoncwas broughtin.Braceyourself, because you might want to sit down for this, butBeyoncis black.- Jessica Williams, The Daily Show

Comedian and TheDaily Show with Trevor Noah correspondent Jessica Williams alsooffered a blistering retort on the late-night satirical newsshow, addressing critics who questioned why race became an issue at the Super Bowl halftime show.

"Race was brought in because Beyonc was brought in.Brace yourself, because you might want to sit down for this, but Beyonc is black," Williams declared.

She alsoquestioneda clip where Giuliani stated that Super Bowl halftime performers are expected to deliver "wholesome entertainment" for Middle America.

"What are they, so delicate and unaware, and maybe so white, that Beyonc is too much for them? ... You know what's right in the middle of America? Ferguson, Missouri."

"But you're right. You know what? The fans deserve wholesome entertainment: like watching 300-pound men give each other concussions while a crowd cheers like extras in the movie Gladiator. So what is wrong with Beyonc, everyone? Were you not entertained?"

For her part, Knowles said she felt "proud" ofSunday's performance and that it "felt great" to sing her new song before such a large audience.

The singer told Entertainment Tonight that she wants the single to have a positive impact on her fans' lives.

"I wanted people to feel proud and have love for themselves," she told ETpost-Super Bowl.