Some Say Beyoncé's Halftime Show Was An Attack On Police Officers
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (CBS/AP) -- Controversy continues to swirl around Beyoncé after her Super Bowl halftime show.
Many fans are applauding her show, but some politicians claim it was an attack on police officers.
While Beyoncé hasn't commented on the specifics of the show, and her rep declined comment, the imagery speaks for itself.
PHOTOS: Beyonce At Super Bowl 50
Beyoncé's dancers donned berets, sported Afros and wore all black, similar to the style of the Black Panther party, founded 50 years ago by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in the Bay area — the location of this year's Super Bowl. At one point during their routine, the dancers formed an "X'' on the field, which some people are taking as a tribute to slain black activist Malcolm X.
In one move, dancers held their fists in the air, reminiscent of the black power salute.
Melina Abdullah, a Black Lives Matter activist and leader in California, said it's wonderful that artists like Beyoncé "are willing to raise social consciousness and use their artistry to advance social justice."
But not everyone appreciated the performance.
Republican Congressman Peter King of New York immediately condemned Beyoncé for her performance, saying on Facebook "her pro-Black Panther and anti-cop video 'Formation' and her Super Bowl appearance is just one more example of how acceptable it has become to be anti-police."
Now, an anti-Beyoncé protest is being planned for next Tuesday outside NFL headquarters in New York.
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