Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl. (Image: Getty)
It seems that wasn’t the only surprise that sprung up during Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the half-time show at the . The rapper’s act was also tainted by controversy, with one member of his 400-field cast later being detained on the field at Caesars Superdome.
Lamar performed his rendition of Not Like Us, which has been perceived as a brutal takedown of music rival Drake, .
But what an estimated television audience of 120 million didn’t show was one performer using the stage to make a political protest.
The individual with the words ‘Sudan’ and ‘Gaza’ written on it. They also reportedly stood on a car, specially positioned as part of Lamar’s act, and held up the flag.
The New Orleans Police Department later made a statement confirming an arrest had been made. They also added that “law enforcement is working to determine applicable charges in this incident.”
The NFL have also spoken following the . “The individual hid the item on his person and unveiled it late in the show,” said spokesperson Brian McCarthy.
Serena Williams made an appearance during the show. (Image: Getty)
“No one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent. Roc Nation, the entertainment company that produced Sunday night’s show, said the act was neither planned nor part of the production and was never in any rehearsal.”
The authority also confirmed their own sanction had already been imposed, adding: “The individual will be banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events.”
Despite the disruption, Lamar’s performance continued without any evident disruption. It was the first time the 37-year-old had headlined America’s marquee sporting event, with the elaborate stage show signified by dancers, fireworks and special guests.
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He also performed on a giant noughts and crosses board, and as well as Williams, there was a surprise appearance from actor Samuel L Jackson. He acted as MC, and while dressed as Uncle Sam jokingly told off Lamar for becoming too self-indulgent.
But the overall show sparked mixed reactions from fans online. Some lauded the rapper’s display, while others adjudged it as the ‘worst’ half-time show ever at a Super Bowl.