A background dancer in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was detained after displaying a Palestinian flag with “Gaza” and “Sudan” written on it.
The incident occurred during Lamar’s final song, TV Off, when the dancer, part of a 400-member field cast, revealed the flag before running across the field.
Security swiftly intervened, tackling the individual and escorting him away.
The National Football League (NFL) responded by commending security for their quick action, stating, “We commend security for quickly detaining the individual who displayed the flag.”
The organization emphasized that “no one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent.”
The New Orleans Police Department is currently determining applicable charges, while NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed that “the individual will (be) banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events.”
Meanwhile, Roc Nation, the company behind the halftime show, clarified that the act was unplanned and not part of any rehearsal.
“The act was neither planned nor part of the production and was never in any rehearsal,” the company stated.
Despite the brief disruption, the show continued seamlessly, and the incident was not visible in the broadcast of Lamar’s performance.
Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, with actor Samuel L. Jackson introducing him on stage dressed as Uncle Sam.
While the incident drew attention, the performance remained a major milestone in Lamar’s career and hip-hop history.
