Kendrick Lamar‘s Super Bowl halftime performance on February 9 apparently drew 125 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its political iconography, explicit language, and alleged racism. Viewers criticized the show as inappropriate for all ages and politically provocative, with some calling for more family-friendly, non-politically-centered entertainment. While complaints about obscene gestures and cursing are common for Super Bowl halftime shows – even though all performances are censored for profanity – Lamar’s show also faced accusations of racism against white people because all the backup dancers were Black, with some viewers even upset that Uncle Sam was depicted by the actor Samuel L. Jackson. Despite the controversy, Lamar’s performance garnered positive reviews and high ratings, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper is now gearing up for his highly-anticipated Grand National Tour starting in April, where he will be joined by SZA, his halftime show special guest and collaborator on his current No. 1 hit, “Luther.” (Consequence of Sound)
