A performer in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was detained after displaying a flag combining Palestinian and Sudanese symbols during the performance.
The NFL confirmed today that the individual was part of the 400-member field cast and had concealed the flag before the show.
In a statement, the league emphasized that no one involved in the production was aware of the act and announced a lifetime ban from all NFL events.
The protester, who has not been identified, held up the flag after Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” with “Sudan” and “Gaza” written on the white sections, alongside a heart and a solidarity fist.
Dressed in black sweats matching the stage performers, the individual stood on the hood of a Buick Grand National GNX, a key prop in the show, before jumping off and running while still holding the flag. Security eventually tackled and removed him from the field.
Roc Nation, which produced the halftime show, stated that the act was not part of the planned performance or rehearsals. The NFL referred further inquiries to New Orleans police, who confirmed that the individual had not been arrested or charged.
The Super Bowl took place with former President Donald Trump in attendance, leaving at halftime. The event followed recent remarks by Trump about relocating Palestinians from Gaza and his stance on temporary protections for Sudanese immigrants, which contrast with Biden’s recent policy decisions.
Lamar’s performance was historic as the first solo rap headliner at a Super Bowl halftime show. He was briefly joined on stage by SZA and featured Serena Williams during his song “Not Like Us,” which gained attention for its references to his feud with Drake. The performance came just a week after Lamar won five Grammy Awards, bringing his total to 22, and ahead of his upcoming tour with SZA.
