Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, a 41-year-old performer known as the Rapping Activist from New Orleans, was arrested on Feb. 9. He crashed the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX. The event held at Caesars Superdome stunned the audience with an opening performance by Kendrick Lamar. During the performance, Nantambu deviated from his script and choreography as he ran across the field waving a flag calling for solidarity with Sudan and Free Gaza. The act took place under the gaze of powerful leaders, as former President Donald Trump attended the game.
During the split screen halftime show, Nantambu was one of hundreds of visibly-identified black uniforms dancers. Yet from the very beginning, his actions were met with renewed monitoring and fear. He allegedly failed to respond to repeated orders from security and law enforcement officers to cease, leading to her arrest later on. At first, New Orleans police announced that Nantambu would not be charged, though later a warrant for her arrest was issued.
Following the performance, Nantambu surrendered to authorities. In response, Louisiana State Police confirmed that he did have permission to be on the field. He lacked permission to protest in the manner that he did.
“In coordination with the National Football League, troopers learned that Nantambu had permission to be on the field during the performance, but did not have permission to demonstrate as he did.” – Louisiana State Police
Even the NFL responded to the controversy, reiterating their zero-tolerance policy against protests and other distractions during games.
“We take any attempt to disrupt any part of an NFL game, including the halftime show, very seriously and are pleased this individual will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” – The NFL
Nantambu’s actions can only be understood in the context of his recent history. He allegedly opened fire after an altercation outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami on May 17. One such bullet grazed his neck that day. This scandal has only added to the speculation regarding his behavior and state of mind in the days leading up to the Superbowl appearance.
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