Tina Knowles Clarifies Viral Rumi Carter Incident: A Grandmother’s Quick Thinking to Avert Onstage Injury

Tina Knowles, a devoted mother and grandmother, is fiercely protective of her family. Recently, the matriarch addressed the buzz surrounding her onstage interaction with her 7-year-old granddaughter, Rumi Carter, during Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour at SoFi Stadium on May 1. Beyoncé applauded her mother's memoir, “Matriarch,” which topped the New York Times Best Seller list. Joined by granddaughters Blue Ivy, 13, and Rumi, the trio captivated the audience while Beyoncé performed “Protector.” When Rumi reached for the microphone, Knowles calmly intervened, leading to viral moments of speculation about her “stern grandma” demeanor. Acknowledging the uproar in a May 21 interview with Gayle King, Knowles stated, “Grandmas don’t play,” and clarified she was merely ensuring Rumi's safety. She reflected on Rumi's excitement, with the young girl describing her joyous experience onstage as “powerful.”