“The Daily Show” correspondent Jessica Williams has responded to Fox News’ criticism of Beyonce’s Super Bowl half time show, during which Rudy Giuliani and Stuart Varney blasted the singer for including a tribute to the Black Panthers and the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Race was brought in because Beyoncé was brought in,” said Williams on Monday night’s show. “And brace yourself, because you might want to sit down for this, but Beyoncé is black.”
On Monday, Varney asked, “Is there anything in America that can exclude race? Why is race brought in at the halftime show of the Super Bowl?”
For Beyonce’s performance, her dancers dressed in all black, including berets similar to those worn by members of the Black Panther party in the 1960s. Moreover, she performed her new song “Formation,” in which she references the Black Lives Matter movement and uses political imagery.
“As a black person, you walk around every day constantly reminded that you are black,” added 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.”
Williams then played a clip in which Giuliani said Super Bowl half time performers are supposed to provide “wholesome entertainment for Middle Americans,” to which Williams asked why “you can’t talk about race issues to Middle America.”
“What are they, so delicate and unaware — and maybe so white — that Beyoncé is too much for them?” she asked. “You know what’s right in the middle of America? Ferguson, Missouri,” Williams said to the cheering crowd. “Furthermore, I’m sorry this wasn’t wholesome enough for you. I didn’t realize that singing about race was equivalent to Janet Jackson getting her titty pulled out at the Super Bowl. But you’re right. You know what? The fans deserve wholesome entertainment: like watching 300-pound men give each other concussions while a crowd cheers like extras in the movie ‘Gladiator.’ So what is wrong with Beyoncé, everyone? Were you not entertained?”