Talk about adding gasoline to already rampant flames.
The NFL announced on Tuesday (January 29) that they have canceled the customary Super Bowl Halftime Show performer's press conference — a move that drew instant criticism. " Maroon 5 has been working hard on a Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show that will meet and exceed the standards of this event. As it is about music, the artists will let their show do the talking as they prepare to take the stage this Sunday," the NFL said in a statement . "Starting with the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show announcement, we began a cross-platform rollout of behind the scenes footage and content from each for the halftime performers. Instead of hosting a press conference, this social and digital media rollout will continue through Sunday across our owned and operated media assets as well as through the platforms of the artists." Fellow performers Travis Scott and Big Boi will also not take part in the traditional news conference.
The shocking move by the NFL comes amid criticism over Maroon 5, Travis, and Big Boi's decision to perform during the Super Bowl LIII halftime show despite the on-going NFL boycott . Many have slammed the artists for agreeing to perform, claiming they are overlooking the NFL's alleged blackballing of Colin Kaepernick , who spearheaded the kneeling movement in protest of police brutality and racial injustice. Several artists, including Rihanna and Cardi B , previously declined to perform the Super Bowl halftime show in solidarity with Colin.
Seemingly to get ahead of further criticism, Maroon 5 also announced on Tuesday that they, along with the NFL and their label, Interscope Records have Maroon 5 & NFL Announce $500,000 Charity Donation Ahead Of Super Bowl LIII in honor of the band's SB performance. "Playing the Super Bowl has been a dream of our band for a long time," frontman Adam Levine told People in a statement. "We thank the NFL for the opportunity and also to them, along with Interscope Records, for making this donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters, which will have a major impact for children across the country."
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