Why Beyoncé and Jay-Z refused to stand up during national anthem at Super Bowl
A curious moment during the 54th edition of the Super Bowl last night: Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and their daughter Blue Ivy stayed on their seats during the performance of the American national anthem. According to various American media, the couple wanted to send out a clear message in protest. But not everyone can appreciate that.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z went to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with their daughter Blue Ivy to attend the competition, but during the performance of Demi Lovato, the couple – just like everyone else – just sat down. TMZ managed to capture the event on video, after which controversy immediately broke out over the images.
“Not only should Beyoncé and Jay Z fall to the ground because they remained seated during our national anthem, but they should also be even more ashamed of having taught their child this way not to respect our nation,” one wrote.
And also: “Sitting on their rear. No respect for America during the national anthem. The performance during the rest period was 100 times better than that of Beyoncé ever was” or “Jay Z and his wife have reaped the fruits of this land, taken everything they could take and here they are, sitting during the national anthem.”
Protest
According to various American media, the couple wanted to make a statement by staying put. Their action was reminiscent of that of player Colin Kaepernick, who sat on his knee in August 2016 when the national anthem was played. He did so in protest against racial inequality in the US.
The gesture was quickly adopted by other athletes and Hollywood stars, who shared photos on social media on which they also made the knee movement. President Donald Trump repeatedly condemned the protests and called for suspensions of players who refused to stand up during the national anthem.
Yet it would be strange, according to some, that Jay-Z and Beyoncé did not stand up in protest on Sunday, because the music producer entered into a collaboration with the organizer of the Super Bowl with his label Roc Nation. The rapper is, therefore, an active part of Inspire Change, an initiative that supports organizations working for more social and racial equality in the US, and has even co-produced the halftime show.
The national anthem was sung this year by Demi Lovato. It was her second significant performance since her comeback after taking an overdose of heroin in 2018. Last week she also sang at the Grammy’s. Singing The Star-Spangled Banner before the Super Bowl is one of the most significant performances an American star can do. Among others, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Pink preceded the singer.
View the video here:
