Entertainment website TMZ.com has hit back at civil rights activist Al Sharpton's claim they were racist when criticizing Beyonce Knowles' stage outfit at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards last month. TMZ.com commented on a photo of Knowles' saucy robotic ensemble at the ceremony, describing her look as 'Roboho'.

Sharpton misinterpreted the comment as racism and wrote to the website, saying, "It is intolerable to think that TMZ.com would find humor in calling Beyonce - someone who symbolizes the strength, dignity and uplifting of Black women - a 'Roboho,' and they should be denounced by the entire community for glorifying the continued oppression of women with this derogatory term. Racism in America is perpetuated by ignorance and hate and using one's airwaves or media entity to promote it is a blatant setback to civil rights and the advancement of equality."

However, bosses a TMZ.com insist race had nothing to do with the comment, telling Sharpton; "In response to your statement questioning TMZ's use of the term 'roboho', first and foremost, please note that we called Beyonce's performance outfit "roboho" not Ms. Knowles herself. There is a difference.

"As to accusations that our comment was racially motivated, TMZ has humorously called into question many celebs for wearing racy outfits - regardless of their race. In the past, TMZ referred to Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, as 'poshtitute,' Brooke Hogan a 'working girl' and called Lindsay Lohan's trashy ensemble a 'Ho-rror.' A tight mini-dress is a tight mini-dress! Even Kid Rock got a humorous "ho" reference in a December 2006 story, and last we checked, he was neither Black nor a woman."

- Beyonce Knowles

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)