Protester disrupts Super Bowl halftime show with Palestinian flag

Monday 10 February 2025 - 08:07

A protester carrying a Palestinian flag interrupted rapper Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance at the NFL Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, USA, before being detained by security.

The individual leaped onto a car that was part of Lamar’s set at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday. According to a statement from the New Orleans Police Department, authorities are investigating possible charges related to the incident.

Despite the disruption, the game proceeded as planned, concluding with a 42-20 victory for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs. Security swiftly escorted the protester off the field, ensuring minimal disturbance to the event.

The demonstrator, holding a flag with the words "Gaza" and "Sudan" inscribed on it, ran in circles on the field before being apprehended. Reports suggest the individual may have been a member of the production team, as they were dressed similarly to the performers accompanying Lamar’s highly anticipated show.

The game was attended by notable figures, including Donald Trump, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president was present at the Super Bowl. He watched alongside his daughter Ivanka and the league’s commissioner before leaving slightly before the match concluded.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson, known for his roles in Pulp Fiction and Star Wars, was also on stage with Lamar and fellow artist SZA when the protest unfolded. The production continued seamlessly, and television coverage quickly cut away from the protester. However, spectators captured footage, which later circulated widely on social media.