Etta James says Beyonce jibe was a joke

Etta James launched a scathing attack on Beyonce Knowles because she felt "left out".

The legendary singer insists she was only joking when she threatened to "a*s whip" Beyonce for singing 'At Last' - a song which Etta, 71, is famous for performing - at US President Barack Obama's inauguration.

Speaking about the comments she made at a Seattle concert, Etta said: "I was feeling left out of something that was basically mine, that I had done every time you look around.

"I didn't really mean anything. Even as a little child, I've always had that comedian kind of attitude. That's probably what went into it. Nobody was getting mad at me in Seattle. They were all laughing, and it was funny."

Despite her claims, Etta went on to admit she was not a fan of Beyonce's version of the song.

Asked if she thought she would have performed it better, Etta admitted: "I think so. That's a shame to say that."

At the concert, Etta fumed: "You guys know your President, right? You know the one with the big ears? Wait a minute, he ain't my President, he might be yours, he ain't my President. You know that woman he had singing for him, singing my song - she's going to get her a*s whipped.

"The great Beyonce. I can't stand Beyonce!"