Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks 125 FCC Complaints

125 viewers voiced their criticisms to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl Halftime Show, with their concerns primarily focusing on the use of explicit language, suggestive dancing, and perceived racism, as no white performers were seen alongside the rapper.

In records acquired by The Hill through a Freedom of Information Act request, multiple viewers from various parts of the country expressed disapproval over the halftime show, claiming it was inappropriate for children. A viewer from Illinois criticized the language and gestures, stating, “The halftime show was dreadful. My young kids should not have been exposed to such content.” Meanwhile, a viewer from North Carolina described it as the worst halftime show they had ever seen, adding, “I’m grateful I didn’t understand much of what Kendrick Lamar was saying because I’ve read some of his song lyrics, and I am shocked. The performance was divisive, degrading, and filled with profanity. It is by no means suitable entertainment for all ages.

A viewer proposed an idea for the upcoming halftime show performer: someone who offers a more wholesome, apolitical performance. They expressed that it would be refreshing to see entertainment that embodies the essence of America – family values, patriotism, decency, and respect. It can be exhausting to have to shield children from potentially explicit content during what is supposed to be a shared family experience.

Nevertheless, as The Hill pointed out, it’s common for networks to filter out profanity during halftime shows. No particular lyrics were flagged by the audience in this instance.

Some viewers criticized Dot’s performance, labeling it as “racist” and “anti-white”. For instance, a viewer from Maryland expressed their dissatisfaction by saying, “There wasn’t one white person in the whole show…If it was all white, it would be a different story. The halftime show should have both Black and white performers to ensure it’s appropriate for everyone. This was a disgrace and it gets worse every year.” A viewer from Florida felt “discriminated against” and was “very uncomfortable”, questioning why Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam character was portrayed as Black when traditionally, Uncle Sam is depicted as white. A complaint from Pennsylvania suggested that a more diverse selection of talented performers would have been more appropriate and inclusive.

At halftime, Lamar brought Jackson, Serena Williams, SZA, and Mustard out to perform alongside him. During this appearance, he played songs from GNX, DAMN., and his tracks aimed at Drake, titled “euphoria” and “Not Like Us.

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2025-03-28 09:56

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