Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has come to her daughter’s defense after her highly anticipated NFL halftime performance on Christmas Day faced criticism online.
The superstar took to the stage in Houston during the Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens game, but some social media users were quick to slam her performance, calling Beyoncé the “most overrated music performer on Earth.”
However, Tina Knowles wasn’t having it. She reposted an Instagram post from a user who defended her daughter, stating, “No matter how undeniably talented you are, people will always, ALWAYS, always have some negative ish to say.” Tina echoed the sentiment, writing, “My sentiments exactly!”
The fashion designer and matriarch of the Knowles family expressed disbelief at the negativity, particularly over the Christmas holiday.
“It is mind-boggling to me that you would take your precious Christmas day and watch a performance of someone you hate and you don’t think has talent so that you can go talk ish about it later,” Tina Knowles wrote.
Tina also took aim at the trolls, calling out their obsession with Beyoncé. “Obviously you are so obsessed with them, addicted to them, and secretly admire them, wish you could be them, that you cannot help but to watch and critique and comment and say dumb ridiculous stuff that makes you look like a joke!!” she added.
In her defense of Beyoncé, Tina Knowles referenced the strength she’s learned from her daughter’s “warrior spirit,” quoting Isaiah 54:7, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”
Despite the online backlash, Tina wasn’t the only one who took issue with the performance. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also expressed his dissatisfaction with the halftime show, admitting that he wasn’t a fan.
On X, Portnoy stated, “Beyoncé has been LOST since Destiny’s Child,” referring to the group’s disbandment 18 years ago. He followed up with a post promoting a call-in show where fans could critique the performance.
Beyoncé’s performance, which took place at NRG Stadium, featured her in a stunning white-feathered gown, a cowboy hat, diamonds, and a red, white, and blue “Cowboy Carter” sash. One of the highlights of the show was when her daughter, Blue Ivy, joined her on stage for a performance of “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
While Jay-Z, Beyoncé’s husband, was notably absent from the performance, it was reported that he was not seen on screen due to his ongoing legal battle.
The Roc Nation founder has been accused of rape in a lawsuit filed by a 13-year-old girl, a claim he denies, calling it a “blackmail attempt.”
Despite the mixed reviews, Beyoncé’s Christmas Day performance remains a hot topic, with Tina Knowles standing firm in her defense of her daughter.