One of the 400 performers in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was detained on the field for unfurling a combined Sudanese-Palestinian flag, The Associated Press reports. The protest gesture was unplanned, according to spokespeople for the NFL and the show’s producer, Roc Nation. The New Orleans Police Department said it was “working to determine applicable charges.”
Unplanned Protest Gesture
The performer pulled off the action by concealing the flag on their person and unveiling it while standing atop a prop car late in the show. The NFL said “no one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent,” adding that the protestor would be banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events. The flag appears not to have made it to the broadcast.
Controversy During the Performance
Elsewhere, there was controversy aplenty during the scheduled performance, as Lamar riffed on Drake’s “Not Like Us” lawsuit, enlisted his rival’s ex Serena Williams as a dancer, and led the crowd in a singalong of the diss track’s most inflammatory lyrics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX was not without its share of unexpected events and controversies. From the unplanned protest gesture to the controversial performance elements, the show certainly made headlines for more than just the music.
FAQs
Q: What was the protest gesture at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show?
A: One of the performers unfurled a combined Sudanese-Palestinian flag, leading to their detention on the field.
Q: What were the consequences of the protest gesture?
A: The performer was banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events by the NFL.
Q: What other controversies occurred during the halftime show?
A: Kendrick Lamar’s performance included references to Drake’s lawsuit and featured Serena Williams as a dancer, sparking further debate and discussion.
Credit: pitchfork.com
