Amy Schumer Defends ‘Formation’ Video: ‘It Was Never a Parody’
Amy Schumer defended her lighthearted spin on Beyoncé‘s “Formation” video against accusations of racism and appropriation in a Medium post detailing her intentions. “It was NEVER a parody. It was just us women celebrating each other,” Schumer wrote.
“I did not mean to detract any of the meaning from the video. I am of course horrified and sickened by the events that are addressed throughout that video and didn’t see this as minimizing that and still don’t,” the comedian added. “It was a way to celebrate bringing us all together. To fight for what we all want. And to do it together.”
Schumer’s “Formation” video, which premiered on the Beyoncé-backed Tidal, featured the comedian reenacting the video’s dance moves alongside actresses Goldie Hawn, Joan Cusack, Wanda Sykes and the female production members of Schumer’s upcoming comedy.
While Schumer felt the video was an homage to Beyoncé, some on social media criticized the video for spoofing a song that has become an empowering anthem for the African-American community, the New York Times reported.
“The video Beyoncé made was so moving and I wouldn’t ever make fun of that. There is absolutely no way to,” Schumer wrote. “I make fun of myself a few times in the video as I do in everything I am a part of. I loved every second of working with those women to make this thing that lifted us up.” Schumer added that the video was released with “Beyoncé and Jay Z’s approval.”
“Saying I love Beyoncé’s album Lemonade is a huge understatement,” Schumer wrote. “I believe it is one of the greatest pieces of art of our time.”