Rihanna reportedly declined an offer to headline the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in 2019. According to a report from Us Weekly, she reportedly turned down the coveted gig in protest of NFL's stance on the 2016 Kaepernick controversy.
Former San Fransisco 49ers Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, who refused to stand up and pay his respects to the national anthem at the beginning of a game in 2016, was exiled from the sport by the NFL for his disrespectful act.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of colour," said Kaepernick in an exclusive interview with Steve Wyche.
"The offer and exposure would have been great for Rihanna as she's planning a new album and tour but she stuck to what's right in her eyes," said a source close to the singer, who explained that she does not support NFL's stand on the issue.
The spot has now been offered to Maroon 5 who have "pretty much accepted." They are expected to perform their hit-track, "Girls Like You," for which Cardi B may make an appearance.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.