Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show has sparked 125 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission.
Some viewers criticized the show for inappropriate lyrics, dance moves, and anti-American themes, while others were upset over his ongoing feud with rapper Drake being included in the performance.
Lamar’s performance, which attracted over 133.5 million viewers, featured some of his biggest hits, including “DNA,” “Humble,” and “Not Like Us”—his diss track aimed at Drake.
Some complaints focused on the lyrics, with one viewer writing: “Kendrick Lamar made fake, false, and scandalous claims that are unfounded. He said Drake was a pedophile on TV in front of millions of people. Do better, this is a sad day.”
Others accused Lamar of using the show for a “personal vendetta” against Drake, who has denied all allegations in the lyrics and filed a defamation lawsuit against the rapper.
Several complaints focused on Lamar’s choreography, including crotch-grabbing dance moves, which some viewers found inappropriate for a family-friendly event. Others took issue with a split American flag visual shown during the performance, calling it divisive.
One complaint stated, “It was disgusting. The show was not appropriate for children. The split American flag was offensive.”
Tennis legend Serena Williams made a brief appearance during the performance, but her “Crip-walking” dance move led to complaints that she was promoting gang culture.
“Serena Williams is a role model. Why is she promoting gang affiliation on national TV?” one complaint read.
Despite the backlash, Lamar’s performance made history as the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever, surpassing previous records set by Rihanna (2023) and Jennifer Lopez & Shakira (2020).
While some viewers were unhappy, the fact that only 125 people complained out of 133.5 million viewers suggests that most fans enjoyed the show.
Several artists have faced viewer complaints and FCC scrutiny for their Super Bowl-related performances in the past.
Rihanna’s 2023 Halftime Show performance drew 103 FCC complaints, primarily for sexualized choreography and lyrics. Critics likened the show to “pornography” and criticized its suitability for family audiences.
Also, Jennifer Lopez & Shakira 2020 Halftime Show performance sparked 1,312 FCC complaints, with viewers objecting to “scantily clad” costumes and explicit dance moves.
Though not a halftime performer, Kanye West’s 2025 Super Bowl ad—later altered to promote swastika-themed merchandise—drew two FCC complaints in select markets.
The stunt led to Shopify terminating his store and agency representation.
