Beyonce: Those who claim I'm anti-police are 'completely mistaken'

NEW YORK, April 6 (UPI) -- Beyonce Knowles has finally spoken out against those labeling her "anti-police" in a rare interview with Elle magazine ahead of the debut of her new fashion line.

The Ivy Park co-founder set the record straight regarding rumors she stood as an anti-law enforcement symbol after the release of her "Formation" music video, which featured politically-charged imagery confronting police brutality.

"I mean, I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken," Knowles said during her interview with Elle's Tamar Gottesman.

Her controversial "Formation" music video and subsequent Super Bowl 50 half-time show in February prompted pushback from law enforcement labor unions who threatened to protest their role as security during her Formation world tour shows.

"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," Knowles added.

She also targeted racist undertones in criticisms against her, adding "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. I'm proud of what we created and I'm proud to be a part of a conversation that is pushing things forward in a positive way."

Knowles' recently teased the debut of her upcoming athleisure fashion line, Ivy Park, which was developed in collaboration with Top Shop. Of the line, the "Single Ladies" singer said she won't believe it's launch was "real" until "I see women at the gym, in the park, on the street wearing the collection, sweating in it, and loving it."

Ivy Park will become available for sale April 14.