Former First Lady Michelle Obama recreated Beyonce’s “Formation” look for the singer’s birthday Monday, despite the fact some police groups have labeled the music video anti-cop.
Obama, Serena Williams, Kelly Rowland, and other celebrities took photographs donning the pigtail braids, black hat, and statement necklace from the “Formation” music video.
The song has faced controversy from police groups because of images highlighted in the music video, including Beyonce standing on a sinking police cruiser in the intro.
The video also features a wall that reads, “stop shooting us,” and shows a child dancing in front of police officers who are wearing riot gear.
Members of the National Sheriff’s Association chose to turn their backs on Beyonce’s Super Bowl Halftime performance of “Formation” in protest of the song and video. The Miami Fraternal Order of Police similarly urged its officers to boycott one of the singer’s shows in Miami.
During the Super Bowl halftime show, Beyonce did little to quell the controversy as she had her backup dancers dressed in costumes similar to Black Panthers.
For her part, Beyonce claims the song and accompanying music video are not anti-police, just anti-police brutality.
“Anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken,” Beyonce said. “I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of the officers who sacrifice themselves to keeps us safe. But let’s be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things.”
Nonetheless, Michelle Obama’s decision to recreate Beyonce’s look from the “Formation” music video is sure to raise some eyebrows.