Beyonce’s Sister, Whom Singer ‘Couldn’t Stand’ Before, Once Fought with Her Husband in Elevator

• Musical artists Beyoncé and Solange Knowles share a remarkable sisterly bond shaped by their mother's influence during their early years.
• Tina Knowles Lawson's teachings and their shared journey through fame forged an unbreakable connection between the sisters.
• Their bond has been marked by moments of joy, sibling dynamics, and even a dramatic elevator incident.

In the world of fame, fortune, and the glitzy spotlight, it's not often that we get a glimpse of the real picture, where family bonds are forged and tested. One such family that has caught the public's attention time and again is the Knowles clan, featuring the megastar sisters Beyoncé and Solange.

Beyoncé and her younger sister, Solange, have not only made their mark on the music industry but have also woven a story of sisterly love that transcends their fame. But there's more to their story than chart-topping hits and red-carpet appearances.

Behind the curtain, there is an intricate web of their sisterly love, the wisdom imparted by their mother, Tina Knowles Lawson, and the highly publicized elevator incident that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.

The Knowles Sisters' Extraordinary Bond

Beyoncé, the global music sensation, and Solange, a musical star in her own right, share a sisterly connection that goes beyond the stage. In a candid interview, Beyoncé expressed her pride and admiration for her sister, saying, "I'm your biggest fan, and I'm super proud of you." The sisters, despite the challenges of fame, have maintained a deep and unbreakable bond.

Growing up, Beyoncé took on the role of the big sister with grace and patience. In the heartfelt conversation, Solange acknowledged Beyoncé's role, admitting, "You were the most patient, loving, wonderful sister ever." Though they've had occasional disagreements, they have weathered the storms of life together, emerging stronger each time.

Tina Knowles Lawson, the Architect of Family Unity

Behind the scenes, their mother, Lawson, played a pivotal role in nurturing their bond. Lawson, who raised not only Beyoncé and Solange but also the Grammy-winning musician Kelly Rowland since she was 10, understood the importance of fostering a sense of unity among her daughters.

Lawson's philosophy was simple yet profound: teach them from an early age not to be competitive but to support one another. She abhorred negativity and even enforced this principle in her workplace, firing stylists who engaged in gossip. Lawson's wisdom stemmed from her own experiences, as she had felt overshadowed by her brother in her childhood.

Lawson was worried that Solange would feel overshadowed by her older sister and go through the same thing she did. This is why as Beyoncé's fame continued to grow, Lawson recognized the need for support and sought counseling to help the sisters cope with the pressures of Beyoncé's stardom. She shared:

"I took them to counseling so that the counselor could help Beyoncé be more sensitive to Solange. 'Cause she couldn't stand her for a minute. You know, she was five, she was trying to hang around her and her friends, and Beyoncé was really irritated."

The counseling sessions were instrumental in fostering understanding and empathy between the siblings, particularly in helping Beyoncé better appreciate Solange's perspective. To ensure both her daughters felt equally cherished, Lawson dedicated Wednesdays to Solange.

Beyoncé embraced her mother's teachings, never allowing insecurity to cloud her confidence. She learned that beauty came from within and surrounded herself with talented dancers, regardless of their physical appearance. Solange, on the other hand, embraced her individuality from a young age, marching to the beat of her own drum.

Their father, Matthew Knowles, in a touching Instagram post, shared his perspective on Solange's journey. He revealed that he had initially envisioned Solange as a member of Destiny's Child like her sister, but her strong desire to forge her own path led him to support her decision. He recognized her unwavering belief in herself and encouraged others to embrace their hearts' desires, even if they diverged from the obvious choices.

Solange's Wedding: A Family Affair

In 2014, Solange got married to music video director Alan Ferguson. The wedding was a family affair filled with beautiful moments. Lawson, in an interview, shared her favorite part of the New Orleans nuptials: the personalized vows that epitomized Solange's artistic spirit and love for Ferguson.

Surprisingly, Solange chose to forgo a traditional bridal party, opting instead for an intimate gathering of her closest female family and friends. It was a decision that showcased her unique approach to life's milestones. However, the wedding day took an unexpected turn when Solange experienced hives.

In a moment of distress, it was big sister Beyoncé who came to the rescue. Solange had danced vigorously during the New Orleans festivities, leading to an allergic reaction, possibly from seafood. Beyoncé, ever the supportive sister, ensured Solange received the necessary medical attention, enabling her to return to the celebration within hours.

The Infamous Elevator Incident

While the sisters' bond has remained unbreakable, an incident in 2014 temporarily thrust them into the media spotlight for less pleasant reasons. A video surfaced of Solange attacking Jay-Z, Beyoncé's husband, inside an elevator. The incident occurred during a Met Gala after-party at the Standard Hotel in New York City.

The video footage depicts Solange's confrontation with Jay-Z, during which she can be seen hitting and swinging her purse at him, as well as kicking him. Jay-Z doesn't try to fight back, but he tries to protect himself from the blows. A bodyguard makes an attempt to intervene, but Solange manages to make contact multiple times. Beyoncé, who was present, chose not to physically engage in the altercation.

During the confrontation, the bodyguard presses the emergency stop switch on the 12th floor, presumably to maintain privacy. Solange improvises and uses her purse as a weapon, swinging it at Jay-Z and spilling its contents across the elevator floor. Eventually, the trio exits the elevator, with Solange delivering a few parting shots.

The Aftermath

The incident left many wondering about the cause of the confrontation, but the trio remained tight-lipped initially. Ten days later, they released a joint statement, acknowledging their share of responsibility for the incident without divulging its cause. They emphasized that families face challenges like any other and that they had moved forward as a united family.

In a later interview, Solange referred to the altercation as "that thing" and expressed that the family had put it behind them. A few months later, Beyoncé subtly addressed the incident in her music, notably in a remix of her song "Flawless," where she rapped, "Of course, sometimes (expletive) goes down when there's a billion dollars on an elevator."

In 2017, Jay-Z, in his song "Kill JAY-Z," also touched on the incident, acknowledging his role and the need to grow and change. Despite the momentary discord, the Knowles family remained resolute in their love and support for one another. Jay-Z emphasized that he loved Solange and would always protect her. He referred to her not as his sister-in-law but as his sister.

In the end, the incident served as a testament to the enduring strength of family bonds, a theme that has defined the Knowles sisters' journey through fame and life's challenges.