Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl LIX halftime show continues to make waves, drawing 125 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with some grievances surprisingly directed at tennis icon Serena Williams.
The performance, which aired live from New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, drew a record-breaking 125 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows in history. Lamar delivered a powerful setlist, including ‘Squabble Up,’ ‘Euphoria,’ and ‘Man at the Garden,’ alongside a show-stopping collaboration with SZA on ‘All the Stars.’
However, controversy erupted over Lamar’s performance of ‘Not Like Us,’ his widely publicized diss track against Drake. While Lamar omitted the most incendiary line accusing Drake of being a “certified pedophile,” he retained other lyrics implying inappropriate behavior, such as, “Drake, I hear you like ’em young” and “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.”
The lyrics sparked outrage among viewers, some of whom complained to the FCC. According to TMZ, one viewer wrote, “Kendrick Lamar made fake false and scandalous claims that are unfounded.”
Another complaint decried the inclusion of the song in a family-friendly broadcast, stating:
“It is tiresome to have to send children out of the room during what should be a family event due to possible vulgarity and inappropriate language/gestures.”
Adding to the controversy was Serena Williams’ unexpected appearance during the performance, particularly her ‘crip walk’ dance, which some critics claimed promoted “gang affiliation.”
The Hill reported that one FCC complaint took issue with Williams’ routine, though the tennis legend swiftly addressed the backlash.
“Def not dancing to be petty lol,” Williams posted on social media. She also defended herself by pointing to her extensive achievements: “I think I proved 23 times over (not counting 4 gold medals) that I simply don’t have time for petty.”
Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, also weighed in, reminding fans of the scrutiny Williams previously faced for doing the same dance at Wimbledon in 2012.
“Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance,” he wrote, adding, “This is bigger than the music.”
Williams, touched by Ohanian’s unwavering support, responded warmly: “That there my baby daddy and husband. Always got my back. I love you.”
She also reaffirmed her positive outlook amid the controversy: “All love and respect always, nothing negative here.”
Despite the FCC complaints, Lamar’s halftime show has been largely praised for its cultural impact and artistic execution, with Williams’ cameo only adding to the night’s lasting impression.
