During Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025, an unexpected incident occurred when a performer unfurled a flag featuring the Sudanese and Palestinian flags, with the words “Sudan” and “Gaza” inscribed upon it. This act of protest was not part of the planned performance and led to the individual’s immediate removal from the stadium.
The protester, identified as Zul-Qarnain Nantambu, was a member of the 400-person field cast involved in the halftime show. He managed to conceal the flag and revealed it during the performance, standing atop a Buick GNX prop. Security personnel swiftly intervened, detaining Nantambu and escorting him out of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The NFL confirmed that the protest was neither planned nor part of the production, emphasizing that it was not rehearsed or approved by any member of the show’s production team.
In response to the incident, the NFL announced that Nantambu has been banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events. The New Orleans Police Department reported that the individual was ejected from the stadium but was neither arrested nor issued a summons, and thus will not be identified.
The halftime show continued without interruption following the protest. Notable moments included appearances by Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, who provided satirical commentary, and Serena Williams, who made a cameo as a dancer performing a crip walk during the song “Not Like Us.” The performance was praised for its artistic expression and the blending of various cultural elements.
This incident highlights the challenges of managing large-scale live performances and the potential for unexpected events. While the protest was not part of the planned show, it underscores the importance of security measures and the need for thorough preparation to ensure the safety and integrity of such high-profile events.
