Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Beats Rihanna's By 22 FCC Complaints
Kendrick Lamar's electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance may have been a hit with millions, but had it's controversy.
Kendrick Lamar's electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance may have been a hit with millions, but it did not come without some controversy.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) complaints were not just about the show itself; some even referenced Lamar's ongoing feud with Drake. Meanwhile, Super Bowl halftime producer Jesse Collins stood by the decision to feature Lamar.
Kendrick Lamar's set racked up 125 FCC complaints, officially surpassing Rihanna's 2023 show but still falling far short of the outrage sparked by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's 2020 performance.
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Controversy
Some viewers were so outraged by the performance that they filed complaints with the Federal Communications Commission, citing issues with explicit lyrics, provocative dance moves, and what they perceived as anti-American themes.
Despite drawing an audience of 133.5 million viewers, a vocal group of critics took issue with Lamar's creative choices. Many objected to the fact that he only featured Black performers, while others pointed to a visual moment where a split American flag appeared on stage.
Another major complaint? Lamar's signature moves. A number of viewers were unhappy with what they described as excessive crotch-grabbing throughout the performance.
TMZ reports that at least ten complaints were directly tied to Lamar's ongoing feud with Drake, with some accusing the rapper of using the Super Bowl stage to settle a "personal vendetta."
The Rapper's Performance Set Off Complaints Over Drake's Diss And More
One of the most controversial moments came during Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us," where critics claimed he accused Drake of being a pedophile on live television. Among the complaints, one particularly angry viewer wrote:
"Kendrick Lamar made fake false and scandalous claims that are unfounded. He said drake was a pedophile on TV in front of million of ppl, do better, this is a sad day."[sic]
Lamar was not the only one under fire. Serena Williams, who was part of the event, was bizarrely accused of promoting "gang affiliation," while Kanye West's Super Bowl commercial, despite only airing in three markets, also drew complaints.
Despite the backlash, Lamar's performance was viewed by 133.5 million people, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows in history.
The 'Humble' Hitmaker's Super Bowl Show Surpassed Rihanna's In FCC Complaints
Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance was a massive hit, but it racked up 125 complaints to the FCC, officially surpassing the backlash Rihanna faced in 2023. The Blast reports that the singer's show drew 103 complaints, facing criticism for what some deemed a "pornographic" performance.
Many complaints took issue with her backup dancers, her suggestive choreography, and even her pregnancy-friendly moves. A particularly incensed viewer from California likened the show to Sam Smith and Kim Petras's controversial Grammys performance, which featured satanic imagery.
"I don't care what someone worships, but children shouldn't be exposed to pornography, and as an adult, I don't wish to see it," one complaint read, adding, "Where has decency gone? How about respect for others and self?"
One Utah viewer claimed Rihanna's set was so offensive that they "had to turn off the TV because of the pornographic content."
Meanwhile, a Florida critic bizarrely fixated on specific dance moves, complaining that the actress "spread her a-s cheek at the crack" and "rubbed her pants where her labia was three times."
Super Bowl Halftime Producer Defends Choosing Kendrick Lamar Over Lil Wayne
Lamar's performance may have drawn mixed reactions, but producer Jesse Collins had no regrets about picking the Compton rapper over Lil Wayne.
The Blast reported that Collins addressed the decision in 2024, emphasizing that Lamar was the ideal choice for the event. While many fans expected Lil Wayne, who hails from New Orleans, to take center stage, Collins insisted there was no bias at play.
"We love Wayne. There's always Vegas odds on who's going to get to perform it. But I think we're going to do an amazing show with Kendrick, and I think everybody's going to love the halftime show," he explained.
He also revealed that the final decision on halftime performers was not in his hands but none other than Jay-Z. "It's a decision that Jay makes," Collins noted, highlighting the hip-hop mogul's consistent track record. He further explained:
"Since we've been on board with that show, he's made it every year, and it's been amazing. He's always picked right!"
Lil Wayne Opens Up About Super Bowl Snub
Lil Wayne had high hopes of headlining the Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown of New Orleans, but when the coveted spot went to Lamar instead, the rapper was left heartbroken. Wayne got candid in an emotional video, admitting the disappointment hit him harder than he expected.
"That hurt, hurt a whole lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a let-down and for just automatically putting myself mentally in that position like somebody told me that was my position," he confessed.
The "Lollipop" artist revealed he had already envisioned himself on the Super Bowl stage, believing there was no better platform to perform in his city. Despite the setback, Wayne found solace in the overwhelming support from fans. He expressed deep gratitude, saying:
"Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back."
The rap legend acknowledged that while the experience broke him, he is working on rebuilding himself.
With just 125 complaints out of millions of viewers, it is safe to say the backlash has not overshadowed Kendrick Lamar's record-breaking performance, but it has certainly kept the conversation going.
