There’s been a lot of outrage surrounding Jay-Z and Beyonce presence at this most recent Super Bowl. The mogul power couple received some backlash after cameras caught them sitting down during Demi Lovato’s singing of the National Anthem. Many were quick to say that Jay and Bey were doing their version of protesting, similar to the way Colin Kaepernick did since 2016.
Jay recently appeared at Columbia University where he clarified why he and his wife were sitting down. He says that the two sitting down was not a protest. Instead they were in artist mode, according to Jay. A Columbia professor asked him if he remained seated to “convey a signal,” and Jay quickly replied, “It actually wasn’t. Sorry.”
They were just laser focused on Demi’s performance when they got to their seats.
Jay added, “I’m really just looking at the show. The mics start. Was it too low to start?” He went on to make the point he was concerned about the audio and all aspects of the show for a very good reason.
This makes sense given Jay and Roc Nation’s role as entertainment producers for the NFL and the halftime show. Mr. Carter went on to say that there wasn’t a need for a silent protest. because his efforts selecting such a diverse group of artists to perform at the game was the loudest form of protest.
