
Amy Schumer recently released a video of herself, Goldie Hawn, and several other kickass stars dancing to Beyoncé's "Formation," and the internet didn't react well. Between accusations of racism and the hashtag #AmySchumerGottaGoParty, the video didn't hit the right mark for many people—some of whom were offended by Amy parodying a music video about black lives matter.
The thing is, Amy's video isn't a parody:
"It was NEVER a parody, she writes in an essay on Medium. "It was just us women celebrating each other. The video Beyoncé made was so moving and I wouldn't ever make fun of that. There is absolutely no way to. 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 says she came up with the idea to film a take on "Formation" while on set in Hawaii, where the crew were bonded by their love for Beyoncé's Lemonade. "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," she explains. "It was a way to celebrate bringing us all together. To fight for what we all want. And to do it together."
Schumer notes that she got Beyoncé and Jay Z's approval to release the video, and that it streamed on Tidal for 24 hours. "You have every right to feel however you feel about the video and me, but I want you to know I'm not going anywhere," she concludes. "Use whatever hashtag you like. My mission is to continue to work as hard as I can to empower women and make them laugh and feel better and I won't let anything stop me."
Fair enough.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Former Vanity Fair Editor Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will “Live to Regret” Not Keeping in Touch with the Royal Family
“That will come back to haunt them at a certain point.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Friends Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Were Both at the Monaco Grand Prix—But Never Seen With Each Other
It has fans wondering if everything’s okay between the two.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors