Beyoncé's father, Mathew Knowles has suggested the notorious fight that broke out between his other daughter Solange and Jay Z in a hotel lift was a publicity stunt cooked up to boost album and ticket sales.
Mathew - who used to manage Beyoncé and her former group Destiny's Child - made the sensational claim during an interview with the American radio station 104.1 KRBE Radio in Houston.
Mathew Knowles
Referring to the incident as a 'Jedi mind trick', Mathew said the scuffle was planned in order to generate interest in Jay Z and Beyoncé's 'On The Run' tour as well as Solange's solo career.
“[They needed something to] ignite that tour,” he said. “It’s called a ‘Jedi mind trick.’ The Jedi mind trick fools you a lot of the time. So things you see, sometimes, are… All I know is: everyone is talking about it. Ticket sales went up, Solange’s album sales went up 200%.”
Solange was caught on CCTV attacking her brother-in-law as Beyoncé stood by at a MET Gala after party at Manhattan's Standard Hotel in May.
The trio later released a statement, saying: “Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred.
"They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologised to each other and we have moved forward as a united family.
"The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behaviour throughout that evening are simply false.
"At the end of the day, families have problems and we're no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We've put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.".”
Mathew Knowles with Beyoncé
Mathew's latest comments are unlikely to help his already frosty relationship with Beyoncé and Solange, neither of whom attended his 2013 wedding.