The individual who waved a Palestine flag during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance has been banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events.
Footage from the event captured the protester standing atop the GNX car used in Lamar’s set during Sunday’s championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The flag, which had “Gaza” and “Sudan” written on it, was prominently displayed before security intervened.
After being confronted by security, the performer jumped off the elevated platform and ran around the stage for approximately 45 seconds, maneuvering between dancers before being tackled and escorted away by security guards.
According to CBS News, New Orleans police are now considering whether to press charges against the individual.
In response to the incident, the NFL released a statement: “We commend security for quickly detaining the individual who displayed the flag. He was part of the 400-member field cast and concealed the item on his person before unveiling it late in the show. No one involved with the production was aware of his intent.”
Roc Nation, the company responsible for producing the halftime show, also clarified that the demonstration was “neither planned nor part of the production and was never included in any rehearsals.”
The incident follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent controversial proposal for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza and displace much of its Palestinian population.
