HOUSTON – Fans got into “formation” for Beyoncé’s sold-out concert at NRG Stadium Saturday night.
While thousands came to see the Houston native take the stage, a police group held a protest nearby.
“Some of her performances we believe to be anti-police,” said Tony Ragsdale, who is a member of the Pasadena Police Department and of the Coalition for Police and Sheriffs (C.O.P.S.).
Some members of the law enforcement community are upset over imagery used in Beyoncé’s video for the song “Formation” and in her recent super bowl performance.
The video features a New Orleans Police Department cruiser sinking in flood waters.
Members of the C.O.P.S. shined a large blue light on NRG Stadium hoping to stage a silent but visible protest.
But fans say Beyoncé has done nothing wrong.
“She can say whatever she wants, she’s Beyoncé,” said Andrea James, who drove from Memphis to attend the concert.
“That’s stupid, she’s not against cops,” said Mitchell Moser, who came to the concert from Austin wearing a t-shirt featuring a giant drawing of Beyoncé.
The artist responded to the controversy directly in an interview with Elle Magazine, saying she’s against police brutality but not against police.
“I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers,” Beyoncé told the publication. “Anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken.”
Source: KHOU