Rhianna Benson
After fans clocked that Beyoncé's full title had seemingly 'changed' in Forbes' list of 2024's 'World’s Most Powerful Women' - which was released this week - the truth has finally been spilled.
The revelation comes amid mass speculation about the singer's controversial decision.
Alongside the likes of Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey and Rihanna, Beyoncé was praised by the media outlet for her contribution in the 'Media & Entertainment' category.
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Landing in 35th - with experts having compared her money, media, impact and sphere of influence to others in the listing - a glammed-up snap of the mother-of-three has been shared, along with her name.
Readers of the article couldn't help but notice that a change had seemingly been made to the 43-year-old musician's moniker, with some wondering what it could possibly mean.
Forbes had referred to her in the piece as 'Beyoncé Knowles', having dropped the 'Carter' aspect of her title, which itself was double-barrelled.
She changed her name to this following her 2008 marriage to husband Jay-Z, after which the couple went on to welcome three kids together.
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The pop icon has also referred to herself as 'Mrs Carter' for over a decade now, and toured internationally under her married name.
Additionally, her most recent album, which was released back in March, was also named Cowboy Carter in a nod to her married name.
After catching wind of the Forbes announcement, many fans rushed to social media to share their confusion.
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One Twitter user penned: "My good sis where’s your hyphen?"
"When did Beyoncé change her last name?" asked a second.
A third piped up: "… no hyphen???"
"Lemme hear y'all say UH OH," quipped a fourth, while a fifth exclaimed: "Nah don’t forget the Carter!!!"
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A sixth chimed in: "What’s coming next, I’m intrigued!!!"
"Everyone say heeeyyyy ms knowles," chirped a seventh member of the Beyhive.
Now, however, the actual reason for the difference in title has been exposed - and by the sounds of things, it's not as dramatic as some celebrity gossip lovers thought it would be.
It turns out that the publication has only ever referred to Beyoncé as 'Knowles' when writing about the singer, and hasn't ever referred to her with the 'Carter' aspect of her title.
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One die-hard fan pointed out on social media after the news hit headlines: "Beyoncé has always been listed on Forbes profile with her maiden name. This is evidenced by their update to her net worth in 2023".
Another added: "Nobody ever called her Beyoncé Carter..."
"She's literally the only one who ever called herself 'Mrs.Carter'," a third quipped.