Amy Schumer parodies Beyoncé's Formation; criticised as 'racist' on social media

Comedienne Amy Schumer — otherwise known as the girl with the lower back tattoo — has found herself on the receiving end of a social media backlash after she shared a parody video of Beyoncé’s ‘Formation’.

Schumer had shared the parody video — which features herself, and actresses Goldie Hawn, Wanda Sykes — on her YouTube account this week. However, it triggered criticism that Schumer was being “racist” .

Schumer, Hawn, Sykes and Joan Cusack are all shooting for a film together, and the parody video was made during this time, the comedienne had said.

It features Schumer and Hawn copying Beyoncé’s moves as they lip sync to ‘Formation’ in grungy outfits.

Twitter users said Schumer should have shown more sensitivity in her choice of song as ‘Formation’ alludes to the Black Lives Matter movement, and has a message about empowering African American women.

“There is no possible excuse for Amy Schumer not to know the cultural significance of ‘Formation’ for black women,” wrote Twitter user Victoria Weinstein.

There is no possible excuse for @AmySchumer not to know the cultural significance of #Formation for black women.I hope this hurts her career

— Vintorry (@peacebang) October 24, 2016

Another pointed out: “Amy Schumer made a parody of ‘Formation’, a song about female black empowerment, with a bunch of other white women. What a mess.”

It’s interesting to note that Schumer’s parody was made in collaboration with Tidal — the streaming service owned by Beyoncé’s husband, rap mogul Jay Z.

Schumer had not responded to the criticism of her ‘Formation’ parody as of Tuesday. Instead, she posted this message , thanking Tidal, on Instagram:

“You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation. Thanks for the exclusive release Tidal! We had so much fun making this tribute. All love and women inspiring each other. #strongertogether.”

Watch Amy Schumer’s video here: