One of Pop’s Biggest Stars Turns 45: Scandals, Allegations and Marital Drama Behind the Perfect Image

Beyoncé turns 45 with a public image built on control, precision and success, even as scandals, allegations and marital drama have followed her career. Born in Houston on Sept. 4, 1981, she showed an early talent for singing and dancing. Her parents, Mathew and Tina Knowles, recognized her potential, and her father became manager of the group that eventually became Destiny’s Child.

After changes in its lineup and name, the group signed with Columbia Records in 1996 and became Destiny’s Child. It grew into one of the best-selling female groups of all time, with enduring hits such as “Say My Name” and “Survivor.” The success, however, came alongside internal conflicts and legal battles. Original members LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett left after disagreements with management. Destiny’s Child continued as a trio with Michelle Williams until the members went their separate ways in 2006.

For Beyoncé, that split marked only the beginning. Her 2003 debut solo album, “Dangerously in Love,” pushed her to the top of the global music scene and earned five Grammy Awards. Each later album became a carefully designed musical and cultural event. “I Am... Sasha Fierce” introduced her bold stage alter ego, while “4” showed greater artistic maturity and distance from prevailing pop trends.

Her rise also attracted plagiarism allegations over similarities between her videos and choreography and the work of other artists. She nevertheless built a career associated with constant evolution, taking control of her work through Parkwood Entertainment, the company she founded in 2010.

In December 2013, she released the visual album “Beyoncé” without warning, a move that changed music marketing and popularized surprise releases. The approach continued with 2016’s “Lemonade,” an album about infidelity, forgiveness and Black female strength. Its themes prompted global speculation about her marriage to rapper and mogul Jay-Z, whom she married in 2008. Their relationship also survived the much-publicized 2014 elevator incident, which preceded the infidelity theme explored on “Lemonade.”