Super Bowl LIX Halftime Performer Faces Charges After On-Field Protest

A performer in the Super Bowl LIX halftime show is now facing criminal charges after running across the field at the Superdome waving a politically charged flag.

The incident took place during Kendrick Lamar’s performance on February 9, 2025.

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Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, turned himself in to Louisiana State Police on Thursday, June 26. Authorities confirmed that Nantambu is now charged with two misdemeanors: resisting a police officer and disturbing the peace by interrupting a lawful assembly. He was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center after surrendering with the assistance of his attorney.

Nantambu, who had been hired as an extra for the halftime performance, took the spotlight when he sprinted across the field holding a flag with the words “Sudan and Free Gaza.” Though he was quickly detained on the field, he was not immediately charged. At the time, the NFL issued a lifetime ban from all league stadiums and events.

Photo by Getty Images

Performer Had Field Access, Not Protest Rights

Over four months after a high-profile disruption during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, a performer has been formally charged for running onto the field waving a politically charged flag.

Louisiana State Police announced Thursday that Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, turned himself in to face two misdemeanor counts stemming from the incident. The charges include resisting a police officer and disturbing the peace by interrupting a lawful assembly.

Official Statements and NFL Response

According to Louisiana State Police, Nantambu had legitimate access to the field as part of the halftime production team but was never authorized to stage any form of protest.

“The individual had permission to be on the field during the performance, but did not have permission to demonstrate as he did,” the police statement read.

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy expressed gratitude to authorities for pursuing the case.

“We take any attempt to disrupt any part of an NFL game, including the halftime show, very seriously,” McCarthy said in a statement. “We are pleased this individual will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Banned From NFL Events

In the days following the incident, the NFL announced Nantambu would be permanently banned from all league stadiums and future NFL events. The lifetime ban underscored the league’s zero-tolerance policy toward unauthorized demonstrations that interfere with games or performances.

After coordinating with his attorney, Nantambu voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement. He was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center and released pending further legal proceedings.

The event reignited discussions about how large sports leagues handle political activism on their stages. While the NFL has grappled with demonstrations in the past—from players kneeling during the anthem to fans unfurling protest banners—on-field disruptions during the Super Bowl remain rare.

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