‘That’s my sister, not my sister-in-law. My sister. Period,’ JAY-Z said of Solange in 2017

JAY-Z; Solange. PHOTO: GETTY(2)

When Solange was shown on video hitting JAY-Z in an elevator back in May 2014 as her sister, Beyoncé, watched things unfold, one question was on everyone’s minds: What happened?

While the three stars are typically tight-lipped on such private matters, the little that has been said among them about that infamous evening suggests their family foundation is still rock solid.

From giving press statements to addressing the altercation in interviews and their music, here’s everything Solange, JAY-Z and Beyoncé have said about what went down in the elevator that evening.

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What Happened

JAY-Z, Beyoncé and Solange leaving a Met Gala afterparty at the Boom Boom Room in the Meatpacking District in May 2014. SPLASH NEWS ONLINE

Surveillance video showed Solange and JAY-Z arguing as Beyoncé witnessed the incident in an elevator following a 2014 Met Gala afterparty. The footage, captured inside The Standard, High Line in New York City on May 5, showed the “Losing You” singer yelling at the rapper before wildly hitting and kicking him as a man who seemed to be a security guard tried to restrain her. At one point, Beyoncé even stood between her husband and sister. The widely circulated surveillance video was first obtained and released by TMZ on May 12.

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“Solange Was Provoked”

Solange and fashion designer Rachel Roy attending the ‘Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations’ Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2012, in New York City. STEPHEN LOVEKIN/FILMMAGIC
According to a source, Solange was reportedly “provoked” by fashion designer Rachel Roy, with whom she had an altercation earlier that evening. The tension continued to escalate when Jay-Z allegedly made an inappropriate comment toward Beyoncé and Solange, which led to Solange snapping.

The insider revealed that things quickly escalated once they entered the elevator, as family tensions often do. The situation became exceptionally heated, reflecting the intensity of family moments.

The source emphasized Solange’s deep protective instincts towards Beyoncé, shedding light on the underlying emotions that may have fueled the altercation.

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Breaking Their Silence

Beyoncé and her husband, JAY-Z, attending the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, 2015. KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY

On May 15, 2014, the trio released a joint statement addressing the drama.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Jay-Z and Solange addressed the incident that occurred on Monday, May 5th, which gained public attention after the release of elevator security footage. They emphasized that despite the speculation surrounding the incident, the most significant aspect is that their family has resolved the matter.

Both Jay-Z and Solange accepted responsibility for their roles in the altercation, acknowledging the private nature of the issue that unfolded publicly. They stated that they have apologized to each other and have since moved forward as a united family.

Additionally, the statement refuted claims of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout the evening, deeming such reports as false. They concluded by emphasizing that familial conflicts are not uncommon, but love and unity prevail. They expressed hope that everyone would put the incident behind them, just as they have done, and focus on moving forward together as a family.

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We Are “All Good”

Solange attending the 59th Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ/GETTY IMAGES FOR NARAS

Solange cleared the air about the altercation with Lucky magazine in an August 2014 cover story.

“What’s important is that my family and I are all good,” the singer said. “What we had to say collectively was in the statement that we put out, and we all feel at peace with that.”

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Fueling the Fire

Beyoncé attending a benefit concert hosted by Tidal and the Robin Hood Foundation in New York on Oct. 15, 2016. KRISTINA BUMPHREY/STARPIX/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
It seems that the incident from eight years prior may have left a lasting impact, as evidenced by Beyoncé’s subtle allusion to it on her Grammy-winning album “Renaissance.” The serene track “Cozy” features a verse where Beyoncé sings, “Confident, damn, she lethal / Might I suggest you don’t f— with my sis / ‘Cause she comfortable.”

These lyrics not only appear to be a nod to Solange but also serve as a warning of her sister’s protective nature. Fans, known as the Bey Hive, have speculated that the verse could be a reference to the elevator altercation, a theory supported by a detailed Genius annotation.

Furthermore, Beyoncé reinforced this sentiment in an October 2022 Instagram tribute to Solange following the debut of her composition for the New York City Ballet. The post concluded with the line, “Might I suggest you don’t f— with my sis,” further suggesting the depth of their bond and Beyoncé’s protective stance towards her sister.

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JAY-Z Takes Responsibility

Solange, JAY-Z and his daughter Blue Ivy Carter seated at the 59th Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. CHRISTOPHER POLK/GETTY IMAGES FOR NARAS

Following his wife’s footsteps, JAY-Z appeared to call out the famous footage in his song “Kill JAY-Z” from his 2017 album, 4:44.

“You egged Solange on / Knowin’ all along, all you had to say you was wrong,” he raps in one verse. In another, he says: “But you gotta do better, boy, you owe it to Blue / You had no father, you had the armor / But you got a daughter, gotta get softer.”

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“That’s My Sister”

JAY-Z performing onstage during the Puff Daddy and the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour at Barclays Center on May 20, 2016, in New York City. KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES FOR LIVE NATION
JAY-Z provided insight into the status of his relationship with Solange during a 2017 interview with Rap Radar hosts Elliott Wilson and Brian “B.Dot” Miller. He emphasized that despite the widely publicized incident, it was a singular disagreement and not indicative of their overall relationship.

“We’ve always had a great relationship. … We had one disagreement, ever. Before and after, we’ve been cool,” JAY-Z affirmed, speaking about Solange. He reiterated the depth of their bond, stating, “She’s like my sister. I will protect her. That’s my sister, not my sister-in-law. My sister. Period.”

This statement from JAY-Z underscores the enduring strength of their familial ties and his unwavering commitment to supporting and protecting Solange, emphasizing that the incident was resolved and did not overshadow their profound connection as family.