Beyonce explains why 'Formation' is not anti-cops

It's been months since Beyoncé instructed us all to "get in formation." Now, the supermogul is opening up about the powerful, symbolic and, to some, controversial message.

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"I mean, I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood," the singer, 34, said in a new interview with Elle for their May issue. "But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken. I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe.

"But let's be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things. If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me."

Beyonce in the Formation music video. Photo: Tidal

This year has been a busy one for Beyoncé. In just two months, the singer has dropped her new music video and song, delivered a show-stopping Super Bowl 50 halftime show performance, announced her world tour and, most recently, debuted her new clothing line, Ivy Park – "For me, it won't be real until I see women at the gym, in the park, on the street wearing the collection, sweating in it, and loving it," she said – (and her highly-anticipated album is expected to be released any day now).

But the star is already thinking about the next phase of her career: creating art "that helps people heal." In her effort to encourage and uplift fans, Queen Bey has been sure to display one of her particular passions: feminism.

"I'm not really sure people know or understand what a feminist it, but it's very simple. It's someone who believes in equal rights for men and women," she told Elle noting that she featured the word and definition in her 2013 hit "Flawless" "not for propaganda … but to give clarity to the true meaning."

The 'stop shooting us' sign that appeared in 'Formation' was apparently directed at police brutality in the US. Photo: Tidal

"I don't understand the negative connotation of the word, or why it should exclude the opposite sex. If you are a man who believes your daughter should have the same opportunities and rights as your son, then you're a feminist."

She added: "Ask anyone, man or woman, 'Do you want your daughter to have 75 cents when deserves $1?' What do you think the answer would be?"

The mom of one said it was her own parents that instilled in her the qualities she'd need to be a "leader" and "independent thinker." And Beyoncé credits her mother, Tina Knowles, for making her feel "safe enough to dream."

"One of the best things about my mother is her ability to sense when I am going through a tough time," she said. "She texts me the most powerful prayers, and they always come right when I need them. I know I'm tapped into her emotional Wi-Fi."

Beyonce at the Super Bowl. Photo: Beyonce Instagram

Now, it is her own status as a mother that has intensified her desire to better the world, Beyoncé said.

"I just want my child to be happy and healthy and have the opportunity to realize her dreams," she said of her 4-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy.

Beyonce's US Elle cover. Photo: Elle

But the "7/11" singer said she understands that struggle and pain are necessary for any positive change.

"Everyone experiences pain, but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform," she said. "Pain is not pretty, but I wasn't able to hold my daughter in my arms until I experiences the pain of childbirth!"

Char Adams writes for People.