Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Received 125 FCC Complaints

Several viewers cited Lamar’s lyrics, choreography, and guest appearances as points of concern.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, while historically significant and widely praised, generated 125 formal complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These complaints centered on various aspects of the performance, including:  

• “Provocative dancing”: Some viewers found the choreography inappropriate.  
• “Racism”: Several complaints alleged racial bias, with some criticizing the lack of white performers.  
• “Gang affiliation”: Serena Williams’ brief appearance and “crip-walking” were cited as promoting gang activity.  
• “Vulgarity and inappropriate language/gestures”: Complaints mentioned the language and gestures used during the performance, particularly during the censored version of “Not Like Us.”  
• “Divisive content”: Some viewers found the show to be divisive and filled with profanity.  

Specifically, some complaints noted:

• Viewers expressing concern about their children being exposed to the performance’s content.
• Criticism of the show’s racial makeup, with one complaint stating, “There wasn’t one white person in the whole show.”
• A complaint stating that Serena William’s dancing promoted “gang affiliation.”  

Despite these complaints, the performance was critically acclaimed and became the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Show in history. Additionally, it provided a boost to his album “GNX” which returned to the number one spot on the charts.