New Orleans, LA –
Kendrick Lamar sent a strong message to Drake with his widely-praised Super Bowl LIX halftime show, but a performer who attempted to make an even bigger statement during the spectacle is not enjoying the same warm reception.
Towards the end of the scintillating 13-minute set, as Kendrick was closing things out with a triumphant rendition of “TV Off,” a backup dancer pulled out and waved a combined Sudanese and Palestinian flag.
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The custom flag also featured the words “Sudan” and “Gaza” along with a love heart and a raised fist, a show of support for the two war-torn regions.
According to the Associated Press, the NFL confirmed that the protestor was part of Kendrick’s 400-strong field cast.
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However, the league added that “no one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent” and they “hid the item on [their] person” before unveiling it late in the show.
Roc Nation, the JAY-Z-founded entertainment company which produced the halftime show, also said that the move “was neither planned nor part of the production and was never in any rehearsal.”
A man performing during the Kendrick Lamar halftime concert at #SuperBowl LIX unfurled a Palestinian flag and was chased off stage and finally tackled and removed by security. #SBLIX#Palestinepic.twitter.com/sU8jl1eyE3
— Diya TV (@DiyaTV) February 10, 2025
The man, whose identity has yet to be revealed, was eventually tackled by security and dragged away from the stage.
The repercussions have been sharp and swift, with a spokesperson for the NFL announcing that “the individual will (be) banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events.”
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The New Orleans Police Department also said that they are “working to determine applicable charges in this incident.”
Aside from the impromptu political protest, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show made headlines for its many shots aimed at his archrival Drake.
The Compton rap star referenced their bitter feud throughout the performance, including taunting him over his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick’s hit diss song “Not Like Us.”
“I want to perform their favorite song… but you know they love to sue,” he said in a playful back-and-forth with a group of female backup dancers, teasing a performance of “Not Like Us” which had been the subject of much debate leading up to the show.
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During the eventual performance of the track, Kendrick self-censored the “certified pedophile” line but smirked to the camera as he rapped: “Say Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one / To any [bitch] that talk to him and they in love / Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him.”
He also performed the lyrics: “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor,” with enthusiastic help from the capacity crowd.
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The halftime show also included a surprise cameo from Drake’s ex-girlfriend and Compton native Serena Williams, who could be seen Crip Walking on an elevated stage as “Not Like Us” transitioned into “TV Off.”
Another subliminal dig at Drizzy came at the very end when the crowd lit up to display the words “Game Over,” which continued the video game theme of the theatrical performance.
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