Mathew Knowles Addresses Theft Allegations, Beyoncé's Album Sales

Mathew Knowles is speaking out for the first time since allegations surfaced that he stole money from Beyoncé. In an interview with The Associated Press, the singer’s father maintains that he is innocent and questions the integrity of Beyoncé’s new team.

“We absolutely have not taken any money from Beyoncé, and all dollars will be accounted for,” he told the AP in an interview. “In no way have we stole money. Again, this about the people who have made these claims—they have to come into the light.”

He doesn’t hold any grudges toward his daughter, but is skeptical of those surrounding her. “The relationship with Beyoncé is extremely amicable. I want to make that clear. Where there’s concern is the people that she’s doing business with,” he explained. “I’m challenging all of these folks on integrity, professional integrity.”

After he was fired, Beyoncé put together a new team, including executives from Live Nation and Roc Nation. “She changed almost every aspect of her business,” he said. “The team ironically appeared to be a cross-pollination of Beyoncé’s team, Roc Nation’s team, and Live Nation’s team, who ironically have the most to gain.”

Knowles has not spoken to his daughter since they parted ways, but hopes the court will be able to rectify the situation. “The only way we will be able to understand this is through a court of law. That’s the only way either one of us will be clear if someone in our camps did something that was not correct.”

Beyoncé released 4, her first album without the guidance of her father in late June. It debuted at No. 1, but has yet to produce any smash singles. Mr. Knowles attributed the slow start to her label and new management. “They put out the record in a vacuum,” he said, while praising his daughter’s status as a pop icon. “It makes you believe that there are some artists that don’t need radio. There are some records that don’t need a record label, and Beyoncé is one of those artists.”