Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Show Hit With 125 FCC Complaints

Kendrick Lamar‘s electrifying Tremendous Bowl halftime efficiency could have been a success with tens of millions, however it didn’t come with out some controversy.

The Federal Communications Fee (FCC) complaints weren’t simply concerning the present itself; some even referenced Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. In the meantime, Tremendous Bowl halftime producer Jesse Collins stood by the choice to characteristic Lamar.

Kendrick Lamar’s set racked up 125 FCC complaints, formally surpassing Rihanna’s 2023 present however nonetheless falling far wanting the outrage sparked by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 efficiency.

Some viewers have been so outraged by the efficiency that they filed complaints with the Federal Communications Fee, citing points with express lyrics, provocative dance strikes, and what they perceived as anti-American themes.

Regardless of drawing an viewers of 133.5 million viewers, a vocal group of critics took situation with Lamar’s inventive decisions. Many objected to the truth that he solely featured Black performers, whereas others pointed to a visible second the place a cut up American flag appeared on stage.

One other main criticism? Lamar’s signature strikes. Numerous viewers have been sad with what they described as extreme crotch-grabbing all through the efficiency.

TMZstudies that no less than ten complaints have been instantly tied to Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, with some accusing the rapper of utilizing the Tremendous Bowl stage to settle a “private vendetta.”

Some of the controversial moments got here throughout Lamar’s efficiency of “Not Like Us,” the place critics claimed he accused Drake of being a pedophile on stay tv. Among the many complaints, one significantly offended viewer wrote:

“Kendrick Lamar made pretend false and scandalous claims which can be unfounded. He mentioned drake was a pedophile on TV in entrance of million of ppl, do higher, this is a tragic day.”[sic]

Lamar was not the one one below hearth. Serena Williams, who was a part of the occasion, was bizarrely accused of selling “gang affiliation,” whereas Kanye West’s Tremendous Bowl business, regardless of solely airing in three markets, additionally drew complaints.

Regardless of the backlash, Lamar’s efficiency was seen by 133.5 million individuals, making it one of many most-watched halftime reveals in historical past.

Lamar’s Tremendous Bowl halftime efficiency was an enormous hit, however it racked up 125 complaints to the FCC, formally surpassing the backlash Rihanna confronted in 2023. The Blast studies that the singer’s present drew 103 complaints, dealing with criticism for what some deemed a “pornographic” efficiency.

Many complaints took situation along with her backup dancers, her suggestive choreography, and even her pregnancy-friendly strikes. A very incensed viewer from California likened the present to Sam Smith and Kim Petras’s controversial Grammys efficiency, which featured satanic imagery.

“I do not care what somebody worships, however kids should not be uncovered to pornography, and as an grownup, I do not want to see it,” one criticism learn, including, “The place has decency gone? How about respect for others and self?”

One Utah viewer claimed Rihanna’s set was so offensive that they “needed to flip off the TV due to the pornographic content material.”

In the meantime, a Florida critic bizarrely fixated on particular dance strikes, complaining that the actress “unfold her a-s cheek on the crack” and “rubbed her pants the place her labia was thrice.”

Lamar’s efficiency could have drawn blended reactions, however producer Jesse Collins had no regrets about choosing the Compton rapper over Lil Wayne.

The Blast reported that Collins addressed the choice in 2024, emphasizing that Lamar was the best selection for the occasion. Whereas many followers anticipated Lil Wayne, who hails from New Orleans, to take heart stage, Collins insisted there was no bias at play.

“We love Wayne. There’s all the time Vegas odds on who’s going to get to carry out it. However I believe we will do a tremendous present with Kendrick, and I believe all people’s going to like the halftime present,” he defined. 

He additionally revealed that the ultimate choice on halftime performers was not in his palms however none aside from Jay-Z. “It is a choice that Jay makes,” Collins famous, highlighting the hip-hop mogul’s constant observe report. He additional defined:

“Since we have been on board with that present, he is made it yearly, and it has been superb. He is all the time picked proper!”

Lil Wayne had excessive hopes of headlining the Tremendous Bowl halftime present in his hometown of New Orleans, however when the coveted spot went to Lamar as an alternative, the rapper was left heartbroken. Wayne bought candid in an emotional video, admitting the frustration hit him more durable than he anticipated.

“That harm, harm a complete lot. I blame myself for not being mentally ready for a let-down and for simply mechanically placing myself mentally in that place like any individual advised me that was my place,” he confessed.

The “Lollipop” artist revealed he had already envisioned himself on the Tremendous Bowl stage, believing there was no higher platform to carry out in his metropolis. Regardless of the setback, Wayne discovered solace within the overwhelming assist from followers. He expressed deep gratitude, saying:

“Your phrases become arms and held me up after I tried to fall again.”

The rap legend acknowledged that whereas the expertise broke him, he’s engaged on rebuilding himself.

With simply 125 complaints out of tens of millions of viewers, it’s protected to say the backlash has not overshadowed Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking efficiency, however it has actually saved the dialog going.