More police unions in the US are calling for officers to boycott Beyonce in protest at what they have deemed to be an anti-police message in her recent work.
Unions in Tampa and Nashville have joined those in Miami in urging members to not volunteer to work when Beyoncé’s Formation tour visits their respective cities.
Beyoncé joined Coldplay during their high-profile appearance at the Super Bowl earlier this month (February 7), performing her new single ‘Formation’ 24 hours after releasing track and its politically charged video online.
Beyoncé Brings Protest Music Back: The Main ‘Formation’ Talking Points
GettyFraternal Order of Police President Javier Ortiz told the Miami New Times earlier this week that he believes her Super Bowl performance divided “Americans by promoting the Black Panthers and her anti-police message shows how she does not support law enforcement.” The performance had been criticised by some for being “anti-police” with its references to references to the Black Panthers and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Since then Tampa Police Benevolent Association President Vincent Gericitano has posted a statement on the group’s website saying it was “disgusted” with both the Super Bowl show and the ‘Formation’ music video.
There is a similar story in Nashville, where the Fraternal Order of Police has asked members to not volunteer for work when the Fomation tour visits in May. Beyoncé’s tour begins in Miami on April 27 and arives in Tampa two days later.
Tampa Police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said the protest “has been blown way out of proportion,” and that there is no indication that officers will refuse to provide security for the concert.
Miami Police spokesman Lt. Freddie Cruz said working at the concert is “open for officers to sign up. Whether they sign up, it’s up to them.”
Beyoncé faced another protest earlier this week when. In the end just three people turned up to the NFL headquarters in New York.
Beyoncé will tour the UK during June and July. See below for Beyoncé’s full UK dates:
Sunderland, Stadium of Light (June 28)
Cardiff, Principality Stadium (30)
London, Wembley Stadium (July 2, 3)
Manchester, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground (5)
Glasgow, Hampden Park (7)