Beyoncé and Jay-Z remained seated during Demi Lovato’s performance of the national anthem, as noted by TMZ (via Insider).
As footage showed, the couple remained seated with daughter Blue Ivy. Also noted, several of the people around the family were also sitting down. As Insider reported, the family seemed to be “enjoying” Lovato’s performance.
Was the couple making a statement? Possibly. Jay-Z and his Roc Nation entertainment agency have been working with the NFL on social justice issues (as well as helping to book halftime shows). The $100 million program, “Inspire Change,” seemed to be the league’s response to the virtual blackballing of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who hasn’t returned to the NFL since taking a knee during the national anthem in 2016 to protest social injustice.
Jay-Z was reportedly a supporter of Kaepernick’s actions, but then also confused and angered some people by collaborating with the NFL. Perhaps sitting during the anthem — while taking money from the league and providing them with Shakira, a Roc Nation client — was an attempt at appeasing two sides still at odds.
Based on social media reactions, it looked like the move appeased few people on any political side. And even Kaepernick called it out.
Colin Kapernick calls out JAY-Z and Beyoncé after kneeling at the #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/zyIFQYj4cm
— SOHH (@sohh) February 3, 2020
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