Beyoncé Knowles has drawn criticism for a photo she posted last week on her Instagram account, in which she is seen posing in front of a depiction of the Last Supper.
The photo was taken at a juice bar in Miami, and the 32-year-old singer struck a pose directly in front of Jesus in the Andy Warhol mural of The Last Supper with camouflage.
Among those criticizing Beyoncé is the American Family Association (AFA).
“Is nothing sacred anymore? This is clearly an act of disrespect towards Jesus Christ, whom Beyoncé covers up with her pose,” AFA President Tim Wildmon said in a published statement. “This had to be done intentionally. However, you will not see the media condemn her for offending Christians in the same way they did Phil Robertson for offending homosexuals because there is a double-standard. Christians are the only group in America you can bash with impunity.”
Instagram users immediately took to commenting on the photo, with some calling her “Beysus.”
“Looks like the Last Supper, instead of Jesus its Beyoncé. Ummm epic fail boo,” @deasiray wrote, reported New York Daily News. “Jesus Christ is my savior, not you. Besides that, I love Beyoncé, but you will never be God.”
The singer did not post a caption on the photo, and she has not released a statement regarding the controversy it caused.
Beyoncé has spoken about her religious upbringing in the past, as well as the church she grew up performing in, St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston.
“The church is the best training,” she said in a VH1 interview.
The singer is no stranger to controversy. Her performance at the Super Bowl last year was criticized not only for her sexy outfits, but also for throwing up the Illuminati signal. She recently responded to criticism regarding a song on her latest album, released last month.
In the video for her song “XO,” an audio clip of retired NASA Public Affairs Officer Steve Nesbitt is heard during the 1986 Challenger disaster.
“My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster,” Beyoncé told ABC News. “The song ‘XO’ was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you.
“The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten.”
