Kendrick Lamar Fans React to Palestinian Flag Protest During Super Bowl Halftime Show

During Kendrick Lamar‘s Super Bowl halftime show, there was an abundance of symbolism – from Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam to a disabled-dancing Serena Williams – however, the most impactful symbol on stage might not have been intentionally included, as suggested by the producers of the performance.

On top of a Buick Grand National GNX, similar to the namesake of Lamar’s latest album, a man in black sweats was seen amidst a crowd of dancers. He proceeded to display both the Palestinian and Sudanese flags, which bore the messages “Sudan” and “Gaza,” along with a heart and a symbol of solidarity, before being brought down by security personnel as he ran around the stage’s edge, waving them.

The NFL recognized an unnamed protester as one of the 400 performers lined up for the event, but stated that he had secretly concealed flags on his person. The league’s statement explained that neither the show’s production team nor its members were aware of this individual’s intentions. Roc Nation, the company responsible for the halftime show, declared that the demonstration was neither a planned element of the performance nor part of any rehearsals.

According to both the NFL and the New Orleans Police Department, the individual was held by security, is currently facing potential charges, and is prohibited from attending any future NFL events.

During a weekslong truce, a game was played in the presence of President Donald Trump, marking a temporary halt to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has unfortunately resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths. Simultaneously, the violent civil war between Sudan’s paramilitary group RSF and its military continues, claiming more than 28,000 lives and forcing millions to flee since April 2023.

The moment has gained significant attention on social media.

Critics labeled the protester a “Hamas supporter” and “terror supporter,” but many more were supportive of the act.

One user who uses X shared: “Can you believe that while some people are analyzing the symbolism in Kendrick’s performance, a Black man was actually arrested for raising Palestine and Sudan’s flags during it? The act of solidarity seemed to be the stronger work of art!

Some fans of Lamar, even after explanations from the NFL and Roc Nation, believed that the artist was endorsing a specific action by one of his performers. “KENDRICK DID THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE POSSIBLY IN WESTERN MUSIC AND DISPLAYED THE PALESTINE FLAG WHILE ANOTHER PERSON WAS STILL IN THE VENUE, AND THAT’S HOW I KNOW WE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION FAMOUS,” one user commented on X. “I know the NFL will reprimand him for this, but I truly appreciate the gesture. Thank you, Kendrick Lamar,” another wrote.

Despite clarifications from the NFL and Roc Nation, certain Lamar fans felt he was supporting a performer’s action. One user said, “Kendrick performed on the biggest stage arguably in Western music and displayed the Palestinian flag while someone else was still inside and that’s why I know we made the right choice FAMOUS.” Another wrote, “I understand the NFL will punish him for this, but I genuinely appreciate the gesture. Thank you, Kendrick Lamar.

Others, nevertheless, pointed out that Lamar has not publicly addressed the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan. A sports journalist named Leyla Hamed commented online: “It would have been fitting for Kendrick to address these issues during his performance, but he lacks the courage. His silence on Palestine/Sudan significantly diminishes the value of his music that’s supposedly ‘aware of global concerns.’

Regardless of whether Lamar supported it, numerous individuals applauded the protest as it shed light on the humanitarian emergencies in Palestine and Sudan. One person expressed: “If someone secretly displayed the Sudan and Palestine flag during the performance, or if Kendrick and his dancers planned it, they were incredibly courageous for doing so. It serves as a reminder not to be diverted from the ongoing genocides.

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2025-02-10 14:06