Louisiana Lawmakers Demand “Family Friendly” Halftime Shows Ahead of Super Bowl 2025



Things are……..let’s say……..uneasy in the Big Easy ahead of the city hosting Super Bowl LIX on February 9. A group of 17 Republican legislators from Louisiana sent a letter earlier this month to the leaders of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and Louisiana Stadium and Expo District pushing for a more “family friendly” Super Bowl halftime show, slamming previous performances by Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez as “lewd" and “offensive.” The letter argues that taxpayers should have a say in the halftime entertainment since the state government contributes money to the event. Legislators pointed out that Jennifer Lopez “wore little clothing and was groped by male and female dancers on stage while the performer made sexually suggestive gestures and performed on a stripper pole.” They also highlighted the performance by Rhianna for “groping herself while she sang song lyrics that were so offensive that few adults could read those lyrics before an audience without shame.” This year’s halftime features rapper Kendrick Lamar and guest SZA. The ad revenue for the 12-to-15-minute halftime show alone could reach 8 figures, so a guiding principle for an organization like the NFL and its broadcast partner is to steer clear of controversy.