Photo: AFP
A performer who protested in support of Gaza during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show has been arrested months after the unplanned demonstration.
On Thursday (June 26), Louisiana State Police announced the arrest of 41-year-old Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu for "resisting an officer" and "disturbing the peace by interruption of a lawful assembly" during his demonstration at the 2025 Super Bowl, per the Hollywood Reporter. Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hughes said Nantambu “surrendered himself through coordination with his attorney” and has been booked.
Nantumbu was initially hired as a backup performer for Lamar's halftime show. The dancer broke away from his choreography during Lamar's hit "TV Off" and held up a Palestinian and Sudanese flag while standing atop a Buick Grand National.
In a group of dancers, the man jumped down from the car and ran around the stage's perimeter before being tackled by security. The NFL said the protester, who was a member of a 400-person field cast for the halftime show, had hidden the flags on him.
“No one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent,” the league said in a statement.
Nantambu was arrested at the time but released without charges. He was also banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events.
In a statement, Louisiana State Police public affairs supervisor Sgt. Katharine Stegall said the department launched an investigation into the on-field protest after Nantambu was released by New Orleans police.
“Our agency’s continued investigation ensured a comprehensive review of all security protocols and actions taken, in coordination with the NFL, and other stakeholders,” she said.
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