Super Bowl 2025 protester breaks silence on inside job rumors and Kendrick Lamar’s involvement

Zül-Qarnain Nantambu, the man who raised a dual Sudanese-Palestinian flag during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, has broken his silence following speculation that the protest may have been an "inside job." In an interview with DailyMail.com, Nantambu confirmed he was solely responsible for the stunt, clarifying that it was an act of solidarity with the victims of ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Gaza. The protest unfolded when Nantambu unfurled the flag during Lamar’s performance, ran across the field, and was quickly tackled by security staff.

Amid rumors that the protest was planned in collaboration with Lamar or the event’s organizers, Nantambu set the record straight. “It wasn’t a part of [Lamar’s] plan,” he stated to DailyMail.com, emphasizing that the rapper was unaware of his actions. Nantambu, who had been hired as a participant in the show, explained that he unveiled the flag at the same time as other banners, which led to security’s unpreparedness.

The protest has raised serious questions about the event’s security, with Nantambu banned from NFL stadiums and events for life, although he has not been arrested or charged. Describing his act as inspired by his faith, Nantambu stressed that his protest was not political but a sign of solidarity with suffering Muslims in Gaza and Sudan. "We live a life of luxury in comparison to what they’re going through," he added.

While Nantambu’s actions sparked a wide range of reactions, including praise from pro-Palestine activists on social media, he insisted that he did not seek the spotlight. "I’m just a servant," he said. Despite being banned from future NFL events, his protest has continued to fuel discussions on the security lapses at major events and the global conflicts he aimed to highlight.