The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, featuring Kendrick Lamar, has sparked significant controversy among viewers. Critics have labeled it the “worst halftime show ever,” citing several contentious elements that overshadowed the performance.
A central point of contention was Lamar’s inclusion of his diss track “Not Like Us,” directed at fellow rapper Drake. Despite Drake’s legal attempts to prevent its performance, Lamar proceeded, intensifying the ongoing feud and drawing criticism for introducing personal disputes into a widely viewed public event.
Additionally, a protester unfurled a Palestinian flag during the show, leading to his removal and a lifetime ban from NFL events. The NFL stated that the protest was unplanned and not part of the production, highlighting security lapses and raising concerns about the event’s management.
These incidents have overshadowed the performance, leading many to question the appropriateness of such content during a family-oriented event. The inclusion of personal disputes and unapproved protests has sparked debates about the direction of future halftime shows and the balance between artistic expression and audience expectations.