SB LIX Halftime Protest: Performer Arrested
- Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, a performer in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show, was arrested Thursday for disrupting the performance.
- Nantambu surrendered after an arrest warrant was issued.He was booked into the Orleans parish Justice Center on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by interrupting...
- Troopers initiated an investigation after the game, determining that Nantambu "deviated from his assigned role" and ran across the field with the flag, disrupting the halftime show.
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu,a performer in the Super Bowl LIX halftime show,faces arrest for disrupting the event,showcasing a Sudanese flag with a “Free Gaza” message. The Louisiana State Police apprehended Nantambu, charging him with resisting an officer and disturbing the peace. His actions deviated from his assigned role during Kendrick Lamar’s performance. The NFL and the police initiated an examination immediately after the game. Explore the full story with News Directory 3. Discover what’s next regarding this controversial incident and it’s aftermath.
Super Bowl Halftime Performer Arrested After Flag Protest
Updated June 26, 2025
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, a performer in Kendrick Lamar‘s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, was arrested Thursday for disrupting the performance. Louisiana State Police said Nantambu, of New orleans, held up a Sudanese flag bearing the message “Sudan and Free Gaza” during the Feb. 9 event at the Caesars Superdome.
Nantambu surrendered after an arrest warrant was issued.He was booked into the Orleans parish Justice Center on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by interrupting a lawful assembly, according to state police.
Troopers initiated an investigation after the game, determining that Nantambu “deviated from his assigned role” and ran across the field with the flag, disrupting the halftime show. He allegedly refused to comply with commands from security and law enforcement to stop, state police said.
“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,” state police said.
The NFL commended the Louisiana State Police for their diligence. “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 said. Nantambu is now banned from all NFL games and events.
nantambu, part of a group of dancers in black outfits, displayed the flag while on a car roof, a key element of Lamar’s performance. He then jumped off the stage and ran across the field before being apprehended.
Separately, Nantambu was the victim of a May 17 shooting in Miami.Antonio brown, a former NFL player, faces an attempted murder charge for allegedly shooting at Nantambu, grazing his neck.