On Tuesday at the Sports Illustrated Sportspersons of the Year award show in Brooklyn, Beyoncé honored Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammed Ali Legacy Award. The singer actually surprised the NFL quarterback by presenting him with the award, but it wasn't a moment that went without some scrutiny. Beyoncé is receiving criticism for supporting Kaepernick. Fox News contributor Tomi Lahren tweeted early Wednesday, "Police-hating Beyoncé presents police and America-hating Kappy with a 'legacy' award. This is how far we’ve fallen. Wow."
Before officially handing over the legacy award to the 30-year-old athlete, Beyoncé gave a moving speech. "Thank you, Colin Kaepernick, thank you for your selfless heart and your conviction, thank you for your personal sacrifice," she said. "Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion, only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color. We’re still waiting for the world to catch up."
She continued,
"It's been said that racism is so American, that when we protest racism, some assume we are protesting America. So, let's be very clear: Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly serve and protect our country and our communities and our families. His message is solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people. Let's not get that mistaken."
Ever since the professional football player decided to take a knee during the National Anthem before games and began speaking out in 2016 about the police brutality against black Americans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Kaepernick's become a person some people can't stomach. Some have considered his actions to be protesting America, the flag, and President Donald Trump.
So, for Queen Bey to praise Kaepernick for his activism, as she clearly defines it, obviously isn't sitting well with those who do not agree with the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback. As one Twitter user wrote in response to Kaepernick's tribute, "But we already know it's a trophy to keep feeding racism." Another person defended Lahren and tweeted, "Tomi lahren is right Colin Kaepernick will single-handedly go down as the man who ruined NFL football over a myth. And facts are facts Beyonce does not like the police. Unless of course they're guarding her at one of her events."
Well, when it comes to anyone doubting Beyoncé and her beliefs, her fans, the Beyhive, will undoubtedly come to her defense. If you're unaware, the Lemonade artist's fans are typically die-hard and will release their inner fierceness (you know, just like Bey) in order to protect their Queen. It's something they did when Kid Rock dissed "Drunk in Love" singer and also when Kanye West gave his thoughts on why he thought he lost MTV's Video of the Year to Bey at the 2016 Video Music Awards.
You can only imagine how they're responding to anyone going after Bey and her positive words about Kaepernick. Here are just a few of the many responses Lahren is receiving for her tweet about them.
She's Just Jealous
Would She Say It To Their Faces?
"This Is How Far We've Risen"
Reliving The 2016 Election Nightmare
She Has Too Much Time On Her Hands
Drinking The "Faux News Kool-aid"
Oh, Snap
Totally "Basic"
A Jab Featuring Bey's Hair Extensions
Kisses From Beyhive's President
Buzzzzzz
That's what happens when you mess with Bey. For a while now those closest to her have stood for Kaepernick. In October, JAY-Z wore a "Colin K" jersey during his Saturday Night Live performance. At September's Meadow Music and Arts Festival in New York, the rapper also dedicated his song "The Story of O.J." to Kaepernick.
In August 2016, Tina Lawson, Beyoncé's mom, shared a screenshot of a sports program discussing Kaepernick's decision to not stand for the National Anthem. Next to it, she wrote, "The people that are so offended and appalled by Mr. Kaepernick’s protest. I’d like to know if they are as outraged by all the senseless killing of minorities, all of the racial injustices in America, that people are okay with." She continued, "Here is a man that is taking a non violent stand to bring attention to this horrible problem."
On Nov. 30, it was announced Kaepernick won the Muhammed Ali Legacy Award. As Sports Illustrated reported, "For all those reasons — for his steadfastness in the fight for social justice, for his adherence to his beliefs no matter the cost — Colin Kaepernick is the recipient of the 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. Each year SI and the Ali family honor a figure who embodies the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership, and philanthropy and has used sports as a platform for changing the world."
Upon receiving his award from Beyoncé, Kaepernick said, "I accept this award not for myself, but on behalf of the people. Because if it were not for my love of the people, I would not have protested." He added, "And if it was not for the support from the people, I would not be on this stage today. With or without the NFL's platform, I will continue to work for the people because my platform is the people."
Despite the controversy surrounding Kaepernick and Beyoncé's praise for what he's done, it's clear the Beyhive has their backs — and won't back down when standing up for something and someone they believe in.
