Oh, Beyoncé … a distinct divide will forever exist between your fans and your ardent haters and your ardent fans.

The bridge between the two widened just a bit when Beyoncé appeared in blackface for L’Officiel Paris magazine’s 90th anniversary issue. The spread was in homage to the late great Fela Kuti, but some were put off by Beyoncé’s decision to go all-black everything.

The theme of the spread was “African Queen,” and the singer totally immersed herself in the concept. Still, she and the magazine’s staff had to know that the decision to do blackface would cause a stir.

What’s interesting in this story is the fine line between art and insensitivity. For Beyoncé, the goal was to show the utmost respect to a legend. But by doing so, she — in the eyes of many — showed the ultimate disrespect to other blacks in the process.

People need to just chill out.  In no way should this be seen as disrespectful. Sometimes you have to give a nod to the past, in order to be secure with you present and confident in your future. That’s what Beyoncé was doing … leave her alone. –djr of Rolling Out Magazine