Too Much or Not Enough? – Thoughts on Censorship in the Media

The debate over media censorship has grown more intense, with some insisting that certain viewpoints are being unjustly silenced, while others argue that restrictions are essential to curb misinformation and uphold ethical standards.

This conversation was renewed when a dancer in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on Feb. 9, 2025, staged an unauthorized protest, displaying a flag bearing the word “GAZA.” The flag combined elements of the Sudanese and Palestinian flags and included the word “SUDAN.” The dancer, one of many, was dressed in identical black sweats, stood atop a car—a centerpiece of the performance—before leaping off the stage and running across the field. Security swiftly tackled and removed the individual.

  Most viewers who were watching from home did not see this event occur. The disruption is also not shown in the recorded playback video available on YouTube. Audience members captured footage and instantly uploaded them to the internet. This created buzz on social media; how were they able to cut the dancer from the livestream? 

Broadcasters typically switch between different camera angles in real time. This switch, using a specialized video software to help aid in effectively “cutting away” any unwanted content to be shown live, while also giving the viewers a live feed.

The NFL stated that the individual concealed the flag and acted alone without the knowledge of the production team. As a result, the person has received a lifetime ban from all NFL league stadiums and events. Roc Nation, the show's producer, confirmed that they had no prior knowledge of the protest and that it was not part of the planned performance. New Orleans police announced later the dancer will not be facing any charges. 

This incident also reignited discussions about Gaza’s political situation. President Donald Trump attended the game, but it was unclear if he had witnessed the protest. His recent statements in support of Gaza being under U.S ownership has been widely rejected by Palestinian leaders, further fueling tensions surrounding the region's future. 

The cross between sports, entertainment, and political activism continues to cause debates today. This past Super Bowl protest adds on to the continuous debate whether the media landscape allows genuine free expression or to be systemically muted and shut down.

As conversations on censorship and free speech continue, the Super Bowl incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between advocacy and regulation in the media and entertainment industries.