*Comedian Amy Schumer was attempting to pay homage to Beyonce by filming a parody of “Formation” with co-stars of her upcoming film comedy, only for her antics to be perceived as racist and tone deaf by many African Americans who feel it appropriates black culture for laughs.
The parody, which debuted Friday exclusively on Tidal, was shot in Hawaii with her costars Goldie Hawn, Joan Cusack and Wanda Sykes. The women attempt to recreate Bey’s “Formation” video, lip-syncing such lines as: “My daddy Alabama / Mama Louisiana / You mix that negro with that Creole / Make a Texas Bama.”
Twitter went in shortly after the release:
It is weird to me that @amyschumer thought a song about the police killing black people was perfect for a parody #AmySchumerGottaGoParty
— Andrea Johnson (@ndreajohnson) October 24, 2016
There is no possible excuse for @AmySchumer not to know the cultural significance of #Formation for black women.I hope this hurts her career
— Victoria Weinstein (@peacebang) October 24, 2016
Also Amy Schumer continues to be trash and disrespectful like she doesn’t have access to open conversations about race and black women pic.twitter.com/f7XDGXiVox
— not your google (@BooksBakesBio) October 24, 2016
This has been a long time coming! Walking into the #AmySchumerGottaGoParty like… pic.twitter.com/8DKtlqJnT7
— Reenaaaargh ? (@Reena_Rai) October 24, 2016
Schumer was also called out for sporting a T-shirt with the lyric “Texas Bama.” The term “bama,” author Jesmyn Ward points out in a piece for NPR, holds special meaning among people of color born and raised in the South.
Schumer responded directly to the criticism on Instagram.“You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation,” Schumer wrote. “Thanks for the exclusive release Tidal! We had so much fun making this tribute. All love and women inspiring each other. #strongertogether.”
Watch the “Formation” parody from Schumer and Hawn below:
Wanda Sykes was not spared for appearing the clip alongside her white costars in the comedy, which is set up at 20th Century Fox.
P.S.
Wanda…
We saw you…
Expect a call…#AmySchumerGottaGoParty pic.twitter.com/B4kf8oTQ75— Ariel (@Revinpinkpumps) October 24, 2016
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