Beyoncé Knowles may or may not have sung the “Star Spangled Banner” at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, but the country’s executive branch seems disinclined to find out.
Ever since reports first accused Ms. Knowles of lip-syncing the patriotic anthem, inaugural news coverage has sharply focused on the issue, including front-page treatment from New York City’s two tabloid dailies. Yet asked about the ongoing controversy during today’s media briefing, Mr. Obama’s press secretary, Jay Carney, had no significant comment on the matter.
“I actually have no idea what’s true and what’s not,” Mr. Carney reportedly said, further claiming to have had zero conversations with the president about whether Ms. Knowles did, in fact, lip-sync the song.
Mr. Carney also suggested question itself was not worth responding to, sarcastically applauding the press for paying so much attention to the “important issues.”
“I don’t think it’s a particularly important issue to address from the podium here,” he said. “I’m glad you guys are focused on the important issues of the day.”
