Cardi B has reportedly decided not to perform at this year’s Super Bowl in a show of solidarity with American football player Colin Kaepernick.
Page Six initially claimed that the “Money” rapper was demanding $1 million to perform “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5 – who will headline the half-time show – at the event.
However, Rolling Stone now reports that, while talks were initially held between the Super Bowl’s organisers and Cardi, the rapper would likely reject any slot in support of Kaepernick.
“The rumour circulating that she wants a million dollars and she wants her own set is false,” a representative for Cardi said.
“There was never a firm offer to begin with for a performance. There [were] talks about it, but she was not particularly interested in participating because of how she feels about Colin Kaepernick and the whole movement.
“But again, there was never a solid offer for her to say yes or no to regarding the Super Bowl. She is already confirmed to do a set with Bruno Mars that weekend.”
Multiple artists have reportedly turned down the chance to perform during the half-time show, including Rihanna, whose representative said she did not agree with the NFL’s stance on Kaepernick and the kneeling controversy.
Kaepernick has been a controversial figure in the United States since 2016, when he famously knelt during the national anthem as a protest against social inequality. The quarterback has since become a powerful activist and inspired hundreds of other football players to similarly protest.
He is currently facing the NFL in a legal battle. Kaepernick alleges that the American Football League attempted to keep him off the playing field as a result of the kneeling protest.
The Super Bowl takes place on the 3 February, 2019.
