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While players and fans stood for Demi Lovato’s performance of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIV Sunday, Beyonce, Jay-Z and their 8-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, notably stayed seated, according to a video posted by TMZ.
Were the superstar musical couple showing solidarity with the protest movement started by Colin Kaepernick four years ago? Or did they remain seated at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, because they were not moved, like many others, by Lovato’s version of the “The Star-Spangled Banner?”
Or did they stay seated because, well, that’s what others in their luxury box also were doing — and not for political reasons but because it was just more comfortable?
Beyonce, Jay-Z & Blue Ivy Sit Down During Super Bowl National Anthem https://t.co/COcUGuTgdD
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 3, 2020
People magazine reported that Beyoncé and Jay-Z were indeed making a statement at the game, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20. The magazine confirmed that the couple are “continuing Kaepernick’s legacy to raise awareness of racism and police brutality in the United States.”
If that was the case, people, especially those of a conservative mindset, took to social media to express outrage at the couple’s “disgraceful” display of “disrespect.”
“What a disgusting act of shame,” wrote one man. “Beyonce and Jay-Z remained seated during the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. This country has given them the opportunity to be everything they are, and they reward it by disgracing the Flag and Anthem! Our service heroes deserve more respect!”
Conservative pundit Tomi Lahren also piped in: “Beyoncé & Jay-Z (former crack dealer) sit for the national anthem because apparently the United States of America has oppressed them with millions upon millions of dollars & fans. Sounds rough. Maybe they should try another country that allows them a little more freedom & success?”
Wrote another, “Not a Beyoncé fan, but huge Jay-Z fan. I understand making a political statement, but now that he’s part of the NFL, this is a bit disgraceful.”
The latter comment refers to Jay-Z’s move six months ago for him and his entertainment and sports company Roc Nation to work with the NFL as a “live music entertainment strategist” and to promote social justice programs, the New York Times reported. As “music strategist,” the rapper and music impresario served as co-producer of Sunday night’s halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Jay-Z faced immediate backlash over his NFL deal, mostly because he had been a big supporter of the former San Francisco 49er, who sparked a debate within the league and American culture over race and free speech when he chose to kneel during the national anthem before games to protest the killing of unarmed African-Americans by police. Critics also accused Jay-Z of trying to capitalize on Kaepernick’s movement but turning it into profit.
Jay-Z responded by saying he still supported Kaepernick and people protesting social inequality, but he said he also was interested in working with the league to make positive change.
“The NFL has a great big platform, and it has to be all-inclusive,” the music mogul told the Times about his decision to work with NFL and its activism initiative, Inspire Change. “They were willing to do some things, to make some changes, that we can do some good.”
Around the same time, Kaepernick released a video saying he would continue to “fight for liberation.”
Kaepernick left the Niners in March 2017 and has not played in the NFL since.
“Today marks the three year anniversary of the first time I protested systemic oppression,” the athlete wrote on Twitter, sharing a video compilation of footage of police brutality and family members crying on behalf of the victims. “I continue to work and stand with the people in our fight for liberation, despite those who are trying to erase the movement!”
On Sunday night, as conservatives decried Beyonce and Jay-Z apparently showing solidarity with Kaepernick, people on the other side voiced their support for their gesture.
“I don’t want to hear any more about Beyonce and Jay-Z sitting during the national anthem,” wrote one person. “Trump tore up the Constitution and you didn’t care about that. Your ‘patriotism’ means nothing without it.”
Someone else pointed out, “Legally, they are within their right to sit.”
Beyoncé and Jay-Z make y'all mad every #BlackHistoryMonth. Here for it! #LoveToSeeIt pic.twitter.com/qod3GZEn5K
— Mantonie J. Byrd (@MantonieByrd) February 3, 2020
But others correctly pointed out that Beyonce and Jay-Z were not the only people in the stands, or in their luxury box — or even at home — to remain seated during the national anthem.
Wrote one person: “You shouldn’t care about Beyonce and Jay-Z not standing for the anthem because; 1. People were seated while watching at home 2. People were seated at the stadium 3. It’s a football game, not a military funeral 4. 4. Who gives a (expletive)?”
