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On Sunday, February 7, 2016, Beyoncé Knowles performed for the second time in the Super Bowl Half-Time Show at Levi’s Stadium in California. The Half-Time Shows are always spectacular, but the stakes to impress were even higher this time considering it was the fiftieth anniversary. As usual, Beyoncé did not fail to amaze with a fierce performance of her new song Formation, alongside singer Bruno Mars. However, her performance sparked controversy online as many people believed the performance was anti-police, and represented support for the Black Panthers, a black nationalist and socialist organization. Shortly after the performance Beyoncé announced her Formation World Tour which includes a stop in Toronto on May 26th. Responding to this controversy,  Toronto City Councillor for Ward 39  Jim Karygiannis strongly feels that  the federal government should investigate the Knowles’ background before allowing her to enter the country for her upcoming world tour.

 

 

When speaking to The Toronto Sun, Jim Karygiannis was quoted as saying, “Perhaps Immigration Minister John McCallum should have her investigated first? If someone wore bullets and supported (a radical group) here, they would not be welcomed in the United States - that’s for sure. We should not be promoting gun culture or anti-police sentiments.”

 

Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance delivered a strong message to the 111.9 million people who watched the Halftime Show: People of colour are mistreated by society, and the racism and oppression shall not be ignored. America’s “great” history has always put people of colour at a disadvantage, and unfortunately still does to this day.

 

 

This controversy stems from her dancers being  dressed in costumes that “honour the Black Panthers and their movement”. Her song Formation is a powerful statement with strong connections to the Black Lives Matter movement. Her music video that was released before her performance also showed the government's lack of response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans with the words “Stop Shooting Us,” appearing on a wall in the music video, acknowledging the police brutality that continues today and continuing marginalization of the Black Community.

 

 

Instead of viewing her performance as “anti-police” and “anti-establishment”, Knowles performance should be celebrated as a major victory moment for people of colour on the world’s stage. Beyoncé did not attack any specific race or culture nor did does she condone violence against police; she simply pointed out flaws in our system. In addition, her incredible performance showcased her ethnicity with a great song, perfectly staged during Black History Month. Formation is a proud statement meant to empower not intimidate. Maybe Councillor Karygiannis should pay more closer attention to what the song really means and what he thinks it means.