The NFL says they didn't try to stop Eminem taking the knee during last night's Super Bowl half-time show.
The 49 year old made the gesture after performing his signature song Lose Yourself in a star-studded display alongside the likes of Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg.
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There were some suggestions that the NFL was unaware that the rapper was going to kneel but in an official statement, the organisation's confirmed they were expecting the gesture.
"We watched all elements of the show during multiple performances this week," Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson explained. "(We) were aware that Eminem was going to do that."
Some have interpreted Eminem's actions as a nod to Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who took the knee in protest against police brutality back in 2016.
Eminem's performance, which took place on top of a white community housing set, was well-received, with some saying the whole half-time show was one of the best in Super Bowl history.
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"Iconic!" one fan tweeted.
"Legends!" another remarked.
"I'm convinced that this era of rap was my motivation that got me through my days and still is," a fellow user said. "One of the best half-time shows ever."
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One of the biggest cultural events in the American calendar, The Super Bowl featured numerous adverts, trailers and celebrity cameos, with one report claiming a 30-second slot cost an extraordinary $7 million.
This year’s spectacle saw Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd unite for an amusing crisps advert, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Salma Haye portray Greek Gods in a piece for BMW and original cast members of The Sopranos recreate the show's famous introduction for Chevrolet.
The event was opened by another star- the wrestling, acting and rapping great Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
"It is time, it is time for all of us here and millions around the world to bear witness to these incredible players who will leave every once of sweat, guts and pride and legacy on this hallowed field," he roared ahead of the match.
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"Because that is what champions do - ladies and gentleman, it is my honour to say, finally, it is time for the Super Bowl!"
On the pitch, the Los Angeles Rams scored a late touchdown to secure a 23-20 against the Cincinnati Bengals and clinch their second Super Bowl title.
Topics: Super Bowl, NFL
James Aldred