Beyoncé compares her fame to ‘a prison,’ explains why she likes to ‘disappear’ from public eye

It’s not always easy being Beyoncé.

In a new interview with GQ Magazine to promote her new whiskey line, the 43-year-old superstar was asked if her reputation as a self-described “perfectionist” is ever a “burden” for her.

“I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people,” Beyoncé told the outlet. “I hope my work encourages people to look within themselves and come to terms with their own creativity, strength, and resilience.”

Beyonce on the cover of GQ's October issue
Beyonce on the cover of GQ’s October issue.Bryce Anderson/GQ
“I focus on storytelling, growth, and quality,” she added. “I’m not focused on perfectionism. I focus on evolution, innovation, and shifting perception.”

The 32-time Grammy Award winner went on, “Working on the music for ‘Cowboy Carter’ and launching this exciting new project feel nothing like prison, nor a burden. In fact, I only work on what liberates me.”

“It is fame that can at times feel like prison,” she said. “So, when you don’t see me on red carpets, and when I disappear until I have art to share, that’s why.”

Beyonce for GQ.
Beyonce for GQ.Bryce Anderson/GQ

Beyonce for GQ
Beyonce for GQ.Bryce Anderson/GQ


The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer is notoriously private and does very few interviews or red carpet appearances.

One of the only public appearances she’s made so far this year was at the Grammy Awards in February, where she was once again failed to get Album of the Year.

In her GQ interview, Beyoncé said that, despite being one of the most famous people in the world, she does her best to lead a normal life for herself and her family.

Beyonce performs on her Renaissance tour in New Jersey on July 29, 2023
Beyonce performs on her Renaissance tour in New Jersey on July 29, 2023.WireImage for Parkwood
“One thing I’ve worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn’t turned into a brand,” said Bey, who shares daughter Blue Ivy, 12, and twins Rumi and Sir, 7, with husband Jay-Z.

“It’s very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art. I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family,” she added. “No amount of money is worth my peace.”

Beyonce with Jay-Z in New York City on Aug. 16, 2024
Beyonce with Jay-Z in New York City on Aug. 16, 2024.Christopher Sadowski
At the beginning of the interview, Beyoncé gave a rare glimpse into her super private life.

“Most days I try to wake up around 6 a.m., squeezing in an hour or two of work before the little ones are up,” she said. “Parenting while working, I move forward, embracing the beauty and the chaos of it all.”

Beyonce in a gorgeous white outfit
Beyonce in a gorgeous white outfit.Instagram/@beyonce

She went on, “Our home is alive with cousins and friends, spontaneous talent shows, and the clatter of dominoes. I’ve been trying to focus on my health, taking my supplements, and eating very clean. I’ve given up meat, except for turkey, this summer. I’m trying to muster the strength to work out, but I just can’t do it today. Maybe tomorrow.”

What do you think? Post a comment.

Beyoncé, since the start of her career, has spoken about wanting to maintain some semblance of normalcy. In 2004, she told Rolling Stone, “I don’t want to get addicted to fame.”

“Then when I’m no longer famous I won’t know what to do,” the singer added, “and I’ll just seem desperate and lose my mind.”

The singer’s GQ interview dropped one day after she was shut out from the 2024 CMAs nominations — despite topping country charts with “Cowboy Carter.” Her father, Mathew Knowles, claimed to TMZ that race was a factor.

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