Tina Knowles, the mother of the iconic Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, has stepped forward to address online critics and defend her daughter against what she describes as “ignorant, self-hating, racist” remarks. The controversy emerged after Beyoncé unveiled a striking new look at the premiere of her upcoming film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.”
At the Los Angeles premiere on Saturday, Beyoncé captivated attention with an ethereal ensemble featuring a custom silver gown from Versace and platinum hair ahead of the film’s theatrical release on December 1. Unfortunately, the Internet swiftly delivered a mixed bag of opinions, ranging from admiration to distasteful commentary, sparking discussions on colorism.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Knowles passionately defended her daughter, expressing disbelief at the misguided narrative circulating online. She emphasized that the silver-themed appearance, as showcased in the film, should not be misconstrued as an attempt to emulate a white aesthetic through skin bleaching.
Beyoncé and Tina Knowles (Credits: BNN Breaking)
Knowles highlighted the long-standing tradition of black celebrities, including the legendary Etta James, embracing platinum hair. In her Instagram post, she shared a video that reinforced her points, emphasizing that Beyoncé, as a “brown skin girl,” embodies more than just a color—it symbolizes culture, pride, and strength.
Acknowledging that Beyoncé might not be thrilled about her public defense, Knowles asserted her frustration, stating, “But I am fed up.” The post garnered support from fellow celebrities, with Cynthia Erivo, Octavia Spencer, and Keke Palmer expressing solidarity in the comments section.
Octavia Spencer commended Knowles for raising strong, intelligent, and proud black women, affirming that criticism often reflects the insecurities of the critics themselves. The overarching lesson from Knowles’ impassioned response is clear: challenging Beyoncé comes with the risk of facing a united front, with support extending from her mother to Oscar-winning peers.
