Beyonce performs during Super Bowl 50. Photo / AFP
Beyonce performs during Super Bowl 50. Photo / AFP
The Miami Police Union President has called for cops across America to boycott Beyonce's upcoming concerts, accusing the star of promoting an "anti-police message" during her Super Bowl performance.
The Crazy in Love singer caused controversy at the Halftime Show earlier in February when she appeared to give a "blackpower" salute while her backing dancers wore leather outfits similar to the uniform of the Black Panthers activist group.
She was slammed by police officials for her performance, and campaigners planned a protest in New York on Tuesday against her "race-baiting stunt", but only five people showed up and were outnumbered by the singer's fans.
Members of The Miami Fraternal Order of Police in Florida have voted to have all police officers boycott Beyonce's Formation Tour opener at Marlins Park Stadium on April 26. Union President Javier Ortiz wants cops around the US to follow suit.
It is not clear if the officers will boycott by not attending the show, or by not signing up to work as security for the event.
In a statement, Ortiz wrote: "The fact that Beyonce used this year's Super Bowl to divide Americans by promoting the Black Panthers and her anti-police message shows how she does not support law enforcement."
He admits he has not watched her Super Bowl performance "out of respect for our profession" but takes issue with her Formation music video, which references police brutality.
"While Beyonce physically saluted the 50th anniversary of the Black Panthers movement at the Super Bowl, I salute... the dozens of law enforcement officers that have been assassinated by members of the Black Panthers... We ask all law enforcement labour organisations to join our boycott across the country and to boycott all of her concerts."
