Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé, fiercely responded to online critics alleging her daughter had lightened her skin in a Tuesday Instagram video.
The outcry emerged from a photo taken during Beyoncé’s appearance at the Renaissance concert film premiere, where she sported a platinum blond wig, leading some social media commenters to suggest that she had altered her skin tone.
Knowles, 69, expressed frustration in a detailed video caption, vehemently denying these assertions. She defended Beyoncé’s choice of outfit, comparing it to iconic styles worn by black entertainers such as Etta James.
Responding to the online critique, Knowles highlighted that Beyoncé’s appearance was specifically curated for the Renaissance documentary, themed around silver attire and hair, dismissing accusations of trying to imitate a white woman.
She criticized certain black commenters for perpetuating false narratives and jealousy, refuting claims that Beyoncé was attempting to lighten her skin. Knowles passionately defended her daughter’s work ethic, talent, and resilience, expressing exasperation at constant unwarranted scrutiny.
Accompanying the post was a video set to Beyoncé’s song “Brown Skin Girl,” showcasing various moments from her career where she embraced darker hairstyles, including culturally significant braids.
Notable figures, including Issa Rae, Robin Thede, Octavia Spencer, and Cynthia Erivo, showed support for Knowles’ stance, defending Beyoncé’s pride in her black identity. The video’s comments section, however, received negative remarks targeting Beyoncé’s appearance, with some questioning her skin tone and likening her to other celebrities.