Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show resulted in 125 official complaints to the Federal Communications Commission

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX was nothing short of electrifying, but it also sparked debate across the nation. While millions tuned in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 victory, Lamar’s set drew significant attention—not all of it positive. His performance, which took direct shots at fellow rapper Drake, resulted in 125 official complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Despite this backlash, Lamar’s show set a new record as the most-watched halftime performance in NFL history.


Lamar’s performance was highly anticipated, especially given the ongoing feud between him and Drake. However, some viewers took issue with what they perceived as a lack of “family-friendly” content. Complaints included concerns about provocative choreography, excessive use of symbolism, and the alleged exclusion of diversity by featuring “only black performers.” Additionally, some criticized the American flag visuals used in the performance.
One of the biggest points of contention was Lamar’s hit song Not Like Us, which served as a direct attack on Drake. The track, which had already divided fans and fueled their rivalry, accused Drake of various controversies. At one point in the show, Lamar referenced the ongoing legal battle between the two artists, saying, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
Serena Williams, who made a surprise cameo during the performance, also faced criticism. Her crip-walking dance move was accused of promoting “gang affiliation,” a controversy she has previously faced.


While 125 complaints might seem like a lot, they were insignificant compared to the staggering viewership numbers. A record-breaking 133.5 million people tuned in to watch Lamar’s performance, surpassing Michael Jackson’s 1993 halftime show, which held the previous record at 133.4 million viewers.
Social media buzzed with reactions, and major entertainment outlets, including Roc Nation and the NFL’s official account, confirmed Lamar’s historic achievement. Cameos from Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, and Williams added to the spectacle, making it one of the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime shows ever.
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Ultimately, while Lamar’s performance stirred controversy, it also cemented his place in history as the most-watched halftime performer of all time.