Super Bowl Protester Banned For Life After Halftime Flag Display

A protester who waved Sudanese and Palestinian flags during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans has been banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events, a league spokesperson told CNN.

What Happened?

The demonstration took place late in Lamar’s set as he performed “TV Off.” Footage and photos show the protester dressed in black—blending in with the dancers—holding flags labeled “Sudan” and “Gaza.”

Initially standing atop a black car used as part of the stage, the individual then ran onto the field with the flags before security swiftly intervened. The flags briefly appeared in the background of the Super Bowl broadcast.

Who Was the Protester?

The NFL confirmed that the individual was part of the 400-member halftime show cast but did not release his identity. New Orleans police described him only as an adult Black man, stating that he was ejected from the stadium but not arrested.

“No arrest nor summons was issued,” the NOPD said in a statement. “As such, the individual will not be identified.”

An NFL spokesperson praised security for “quickly detaining” the protester, noting that he concealed the flags until the moment of his demonstration. Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s company that advises the NFL on entertainment, confirmed that the protest was not part of any rehearsals.

Why the Protest?

The demonstration highlighted humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza.

In Gaza, Israel’s military campaign has devastated the region following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, and 1.9 million—about 90% of the population—have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

Meanwhile, Sudan has been torn apart by a brutal civil war between two rival generals, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) of the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The U.S. has accused both sides of committing war crimes and has labeled the RSF’s actions as genocide.

What’s Next?

The NFL has made it clear that the protester will never be allowed at any of its events again. Meanwhile, neither Kendrick Lamar nor his representatives have commented on the incident.