The use of a six-second snippet of a dark day in American history has landed Beyoncé in a bit of hot water.
The pop megastar’s new album features an audio clip from the 1986 NASA Challenger disaster — a sample that’s come under fire in the weeks following the album’s release. Current and former NASA employees, as well as loved ones of the deceased Challenger crew, have expressed disappointment that the singer chose to include the audio in her song “XO”;.
The controversy was addressed by Beyoncé today in a statement provided to ABC News.
“My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster,”; said the recording artist. “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.”;
