(Newswire.net — February 25, 2016) —Miami police union called for a boycott of the upcoming Beyonce world tour which starts in April at Marlins Park in Miami.
Reactions against Beyonce started almost immediately after the superstar released her controversial music video “Formation” at the beginning of this month.
Beyonce performed this song at the Super Bowl halftime, the final NFL game of the American football season.
Critics were bothered by the theme of the song and video that is related to the Black Lives Matter movement for the rights of African Americans.
Dancers were dressed to resemble members of the Black Panther, the revolutionary organization that was founded in the US in the mid 60’s, and is known for being confrontational with law enforcement officers.
According to CNN, Beyonce’s controversial music video shows an African-American boy in a hooded sweatshirt dancing in front of police officers in riot gear, after which graffiti appears on a wall with the message “Stop shooting at us.”
Sergeant Ed Mullins, President of the SBA – Sergeants Benevolent Association, has explained why he supports the Beyonce boycott. He has said that it is very wrong to cast aspersions on the officers during the Super Bowl when the whole world is watching.
He explains that the boycott would involve police officers refusing to provide out of hours security work for Beyonce’s concerts in April, though they will continue to perform regular duties. Sergeant Ed Mullins believes that the boycott of the popular but controversial singer is the law enforcements way of sending a statement after the singer sent hers.
Javier Ortiz with the Miami Fraternal Order of Police said that they are not going to put up with her anti-police message.
However, not everyone has supported the idea.
Police in North Carolina vote not to join Miami officers in boycotting Beyonce’s concerts in May this year.
Fayetteville Police Chief Harold Medlock said that a person’s first amendment allows them to say and do many things that may be considered controversial, but officers must still protect them.
Across the country officers are now deciding if they too will boycott Beyonce’s shows.