The NFL issued an apology to Lil Wayne after announcing Kendrick Lamar as the Super Bowl halftime performer, snubbing the New Orleans native. Fans were outraged, given Wayne’s deep ties to the city, and Lamar’s performance faced harsh criticism, with many calling it the “worst halftime show ever.”

Sports commentator Skip Bayless, a close friend of Lil Wayne, revealed that the league sent Wayne a letter of apology in September, thanking him for his support of the NFL. Despite this, Wayne was devastated by the snub, admitting on Instagram Live that he was unprepared for the disappointment of missing out on such a significant moment in his hometown.

Lamar, who recently won five Grammys, failed to impress during his performance. Starting atop a car at the Superdome, he aimed multiple digs at Drake, even referencing their ongoing legal battle over his diss track Not Like Us. Despite removing controversial lyrics, Lamar’s jabs at Drake were evident throughout the set.

Samuel L. Jackson introduced the show, with guest appearances from SZA and Serena Williams. However, fans voiced their disappointment, criticizing Lamar’s performance as lackluster. The show was also briefly disrupted by a protestor waving a Palestinian flag, who was swiftly removed by security.