Beyoncé Stuns Halftime Show with Rousing Performance, But Golfs for Controversy
Beyoncé made a triumphant return to the stage, performing at halftime of the Houston Texans’ game against the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday evening. The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer entered the stadium on a horse, accompanied by Shaboozey and Post Malone, and got the crowd on their feet with a medley of songs from her latest album, “Cowboy Carter.”
As the performance came to a close, Beyoncé stood on a scaffold and raised her hands in a finger-gun gesture, as a “Bang” banner unfurled behind her. The crowd erupted in cheers, but fans on social media had a mixed reaction, with some praising the show and others criticizing the gesture.
The move has raised concerns due to the NFL’s recent crackdown on demonstrations that the league deems to be related to violence. NFL executive Troy Vincent and Commissioner Roger Goodell have both spoken out against the finger-gun gesture, with Vincent saying it has “no place in professional football” and Goodell reiterating the league’s long-standing policy to enforce the ban.
As part of the league’s efforts to reduce such gestures, players have been warned about the potential consequences of making such displays. According to a high-ranking NFL employee, players are warned about the gestures each year, and they could result in penalties. Despite the controversy, Beyoncé’s performance was widely praised, and the reviews on social media were mostly positive.