Beyoncé is no stranger to controversy and, as Twitter user @ivyparkspr points out, she's stirred up her fair share in the media with some of her creative messages. A member of the Hive taught Twitter a quick history lesson on some of the singer's biggest chart-toppers and the ensuing debates that came from the songs that left a lasting impression on the culture at large.
Being one of the world's largest and most influential pop stars doesn't leave much room for imperfection, but many of Beyonce's controversial hits earned a spot on the list due to heavy criticism from critics for her pro-Black messages and lyrics uplifting women.
Beyoncé songs that have caused controversies: a thread pic.twitter.com/RhilWgGPaV
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
According to TMZ, the singer's fans weren't too happy with the choreography in her music video for her 2006 single "Deja Vu." Critics started a petition asking the label to do a reshoot of the video and called her dancing with her then-boyfriend JAY-Z "alarming."
– The video met with backlash as certain viewers thought the scenes with Beyoncé and Jay-Z were too provocative to be aired on TV
– About 5K people signed a petition online demanding a re shoot of the video
– Other reasons for the petition: lack of a storyline
“bad” choreo pic.twitter.com/1Jca3tVamd— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
Many conspiracy theories have floated about Beyoncé over the years, but the idea that the mom of three was a witch hit an all-time high after she released her iconic track "Single Ladies."
– Beyoncé was accused of witchcraft and being a part of the illuminati because of the music video for single ladies
– Many viewers reversed the song and “de-coded” alleged subliminal messages from it pic.twitter.com/P4nXu8CXrM
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
Beyoncé has also been accused of "man-hating" in the past due to her decisions to create and release music that challenges the patriarchy. Her song "Run the World" joined her discography atop a list of break-up songs like "Me, Myself, and I," "Irreplaceable" and even her female-appreciated anthems with Destiny's Child like "Bug-a-Boo" and "Bills, Bills, Bills."
"Run the World" sparked commentary from critics for allegedly bashing men.
– Run the world caused controversy due to the supposed “man-hating” message of the song and was criticised on online forums and even in the comments of the YouTube video
– Most of the negative YouTube comments were reported and taken down pic.twitter.com/m8f55DlqCs
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
The release of "Formation" and her following Super Bowl performance prompted a large wave of criticism calling her pro-Black halftime show and costume choices, which referenced the Black Panthers, "racist."
– The song was surprise released with an unlisted music video the day before Beyoncé’s scheduled Super Bowl half-time show guest appearance
– Beyoncé performed Formation at the halftime show while wearing costumes paying homage to the Black Panther Party pic.twitter.com/Od0vRWXhbZ
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
Critics said her song "Bow Down" actually served a purpose contrary to her intended message of confidence because of the lyrics "bow down, b***hes."
– Beyoncé released bow down as a single on her website
– the song was criticised and called misogynistic due to its lyrics
– it was released ahead of her 5th studio surprise released album pic.twitter.com/cUTu0IIFwO
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
Beyonce was again accused of pushing racist ideology for her work on Disney's Black Is King because of the implications in the title and the imagery in the film that depicted white butlers waiting on the family.
– Beyoncé was also accused of being racist for including a white butler in the film pic.twitter.com/DeFTJyCZlS
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
Her song "XO," which was featured on her self-titled album, garnered criticism for several issues, one being the sample used at the beginning of the song.
– The song had an intro with a recording of the space shuttle challenger disaster
– Beyoncé issued a statement saying that the song was recorded with a “sincere intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones” pic.twitter.com/X2976hA8o7
— IVY (@ivyparkspr) February 19, 2022
The other issue stems from a moment that took place while filming the music video for the song. The singer allegedly left one woman in tears while filming on the Ferris wheel when she stopped the ride for 30 minutes to have her makeup fixed, according to the Daily Mail.