Jessica Williams shuts down Beyonce Super Bowl critics on The Daily Show
The comedian said Beyonce had a right to use the Super Bowl as a platform for her message
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Beyonce’s politically-charged performance at the Super Bowl has drawn its critics, calling for more “wholesome” entertainment for “Middle America”, but one comedian was determined to shut the haters down.
The Daily Show comedian Jessica Williams gave a pithy and witty rebuttal to Beyonce critics, telling the TV show audience that Beyonce’s performance was a message of black female empowerment, police brutality, black people’s “constant fear” of the police and the damage left by Hurricane Katrina.
Ms Williams said critics were not “ready for that jelly”, who said it was “outrageous” that Beyonce used her performance as a platform to attack the police. Her choreography also included an X-shaped formation in tribute to civil rights activist Malcolm X.
“As a black person, you walk around every day constantly reminded that you are black,” said Ms Williams.“We’re more likely to get paid less, we’re more likely to get sent to prison and we're more likely to win a dance competition - what, it’s not all bad."
“The point is Beyonce is black and this is her message. It’s what artists do,” she added.
Beyonce sang alonside Bruno Mars and Coldplay, and her lyrics talked about race: "Ladies, make a formation [...] You might just be a black Bill Gates in the making."
The comedian pointed out that fellow Super Bowl performer Chris Martin wore his Global Citizens armband to promote his message of ending worldwide poverty.
“You're right, the fans deserve more wholesome entertainment," said Ms Williams. "Like watching 300-pound men giving each other concussions while the crowd cheers like we’re extras in the movie Gladiator."
“Were you not entertained?” Ms Williams asked.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments