Super Bowl performer detained on field after raising Sudan and Gaza flag during Kendrick Lamar’s show

A performer in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show was detained after unfurling a combined Palestinian and Sudanese flag during the performance.

The NFL confirmed on Monday morning to USA TODAY that the individual was part of the 400-member field cast and had concealed the flag on his person before the halftime show commenced on Sunday night.

"No one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent," the league stated. "The individual will be banned for life from all NFL stadiums and events."

The protester, who has not been identified, was seen displaying the flag following Lamar's performance of his chart-topping diss track "Not Like Us." Images and video show that "Sudan" and "Gaza" were inscribed on the white sections of the flags, along with a heart and a solidarity fist.

Protester with Palestinian, Sudanese flag was a halftime show performer

The individual, dressed in black sweats matching those worn on stage, was visible among dozens of dancers in red, white, blue, and black. The now-infamous moment occurred after Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us" as the rapper transitioned into his final song, "TV Off."

The protester, bearing the flag, was seen standing on the bonnet of a Buick Grand National GNX, the vehicle behind the name of Lamar's latest album, "GNX," which served as a central prop in the halftime show performance.

The moment attracted significant attention on social media, where videos showed the individual jumping from the car and fleeing the stage while still displaying the flag. Security eventually apprehended the man, handcuffed him, and removed him from the field.

Roc Nation, the entertainment company responsible for the halftime show, stated that "the act by the individual was neither planned nor part of the production and was never included in any rehearsal."

Protest follows Trump’s Gaza proposal

Former President Donald Trump was in attendance at the Super Bowl, although he departed at halftime.

The game took place after Trump last week called for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate approximately two million Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries amid the prolonged conflict with Israel. As part of the proposal, which represents a significant shift in Middle East policy, Trump did not rule out deploying U.S. troops in Gaza to secure the territory.

Meanwhile, immigrants from Sudan, where a civil war is ongoing, are among those to whom the Biden administration extended temporary protections in January before Trump took office. Trump has pledged to terminate temporary protected status for immigrants from certain countries.