Judicial Watch Requests Records in Beyoncé Lip-Sync Scandal

Judicial Watch has launched an investigation into the Beyoncé presidential inauguration ceremony lip-sync scandal, this week requesting from the Marine Corps all records involving the matter.

The superstar, whose legal name is Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, delivered a powerful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at President Barack Obama’s inauguration last week, but reports quickly surfaced that the pop diva was actually faking it on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. A military spokeswoman subsequently confirmed that the United States Marine Band played live for every song except Beyoncé’s national anthem.

The 16-time Grammy award-winner reportedly made a last-minute decision to use a prerecorded vocal track and the Marine Band bluffed its way through, pretending to play when it really wasn’t. Beyoncé refused to comment until this week, when reporters confronted her during a press conference to promote her upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. She finally came clean, admitting that she did in fact lip sync for the commander-in-chief on his big day.

“Due to no proper sound check, I did not feel comfortable taking a risk,” Beyoncé said. “It was about the president and the inauguration, and I wanted to make him and my country proud, so I decided to sing along with my pre-recorded track, which is very common in the music industry. And I’m very proud of my performance.” She promised that she will sing live at Sunday’s Super Bowl.

The other singers who performed at the presidential inauguration—Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor—quickly issued statements after the inauguration confirming that they, unlike Beyoncé, sang live. Clarkson performed My Country Tis of Thee and Taylor sang America the Beautiful at the ceremony, which was viewed by millions worldwide. The bash will likely cost taxpayers well over $100 million.

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Judicial Watch is requesting all recordings made in preparation for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, including those by Beyoncé, Clarkson and Taylor as well as the Marine Band. The request also asks for all documents relating to the use of recordings during the ceremony, including contingency plans for any of the singers to lip sync their performance.

Additionally, JW is requesting any correspondence between any employee, official or officer of the U.S. Marine Band and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Beyoncé, Clarkson or Taylor concerning the use of recordings during the inauguration ceremony. Read the official FOIA request here.