Eminem could be seen taking a knee during his Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance, apparently channeling ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s controversial gesture of protest.
The rapper was one of five hip-hop icons to take the stage during the Big Game’s intermission, alongside Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and surprise special guest 50 Cent.
As an abbreviated version of “Lose Yourself” came to a close, Eminem dropped down to his left knee and put a hand over his head for nearly a full minute—watch the moment above.
The NFL denied reports that it was attempting to stop Eminem from making the gesture.
“We watched all elements of the show during multiple rehearsals this week and were aware that Eminem was going to do that,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN.
Kaepernick also took a knee during a 49ers preseason game’s national anthem in protest of police brutality and racism in 2016, drawing a divided mix of criticism and support.
It’s not entirely clear if Eminem was channeling Kaepernick, but it wouldn’t be the self-proclaimed Rap God’s first time showing support for the ousted QB, as NBC News notes.
In 2017—and while wearing an almost identical outfit to his Super Bowl getup—Eminem condemned former President Trump’s criticism of Kaepernick in a four-minute-long freestyle rap featured during the BET Hip Hop Awards.
At the time, Kaepernick tweeted, “I appreciate you, @Eminem.”
Meanwhile, another Halftime Show star went viral even before the music began. As Snoop Dogg prepared to kick the concert off, he was spotted sneakily puffing on a joint, Bro Bible points out.
The SoCal rap legend went on to open the halftime show with a performance of “The Next Episode” alongside Dr. Dre.