The coveted Super Bowl halftime show has seen the likes of Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Madonna, and Beyoncé all grace its stage, but it’s rumored RiRi turned down the gig to make one strong political statement.
Sources have told Entertainment Tonight that the singer declined the invitation to perform at the Super Bowl as a show of support for Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who began kneeling during the national anthem in silent protest of police brutality and racial discrimination.
Kaepernick, who was the feature of the most recent Nike ad, is suing the NFL for allegedly blacklisting him due to the protest, and according to sources, Rihanna is standing firmly behind the ex-NFL star.
Rihanna has never made her politics a secret, but with an upcoming album and tour to promote, her refusal to sing at the Super Bowl is a bold political move and one we commend.
The source told Entertainment Tonight, “The offer and exposure would have been great for Rihanna as she’s planning a new album and tour, but she stuck to what’s right in her eyes.”
The Super Bowl has been used to make political statements before, such as when Lady Gaga sang ‘God Bless America’ after Trump was sworn in as President.
But not performing in the show at all? That’s arguably an even stronger move.
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