Beyonce performs 'banned' gesture during NFL half-time performance

Beyoncé's NFL halftime performance has sparked a fiery debate (Image: Netflix)

Beyoncé's NFL halftime performance has sparked a fiery debate after the superstar made a controversial gesture that left viewers and social media buzzing.

During the Christmas Day showdown between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, Beyoncé, clad in a white cowboy hat and bedazzled bodysuit, shot a "finger gun" gesture while performing Texas Hold' Em from her acclaimed Cowboy Carter album.

The gesture, usually banned in the NFL due to its implications, was highlighted when Beyoncé mimicked a gun with her fingers as the word "Bang" lit up behind her. This act typically earns NFL athletes a fine, sparking outrage and accusations of double standards on social media.

A Twitter user pointed out: “Is the @NFL going to fine @Beyonce for finger guns?!”. Another added: “Was thinking the same thing!! How many players were fined for that?”

Another chimed in: “Still not sold on Beyoncé as a country artist. Still seems like a pop star that just threw a cowboy hat on. It’s also hilarious that the league has been fining players left and right for finger guns and she’s throwing them around like it’s her job.”

Beyonce shot a 'finger gun' gesture while performing Texas Hold' Em (Image: Netflix)

The controversy did not stop there. Critics argue the performance showcased celebrity privilege, particularly as it unfolded without repercussions.

"Queen Bey's tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix's Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege, while NFL players get fined for basic touchdown celebrations," commented a third Twitter user.

This incident marked Beyoncé's first major public performance since the legal troubles involving her husband, Jay-Z, hit the headlines, suggesting the show was more than just a musical performance but a statement.

Observers noted that Beyoncé’s action at the event seemed to challenge the norm, with one remarking: "Looks like the self-proclaimed Queen of Texas just proved there's one set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone else - even in her hometown stadium."

The NFL has previously addressed similar incidents. Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner, emphasised the league's stance.

The gesture is usually banned in the NFL due to its implications (Image: Netflix)

He shared: "Troy [Vincent] had a direct conversation with the union, I think, just last week about it. We're going to continue on that focus. We don't think it's appropriate in those circumstances and sends the wrong messages. So, we'll continue to do that."

Troy Vincent, an NFL executive, had also previously remarked on the inappropriateness of such gestures in professional football: “There’s no place in professional football for that. Think about where we are as a society… I don’t think that’s where we are and what we’re trying to represent. We have a responsibility as professional athletes."

The 32-time Grammy winner is married to Jay-Z, who has thick ties to the football league.

The NFL entered into a partnership with his media company Roc Nation in 2019, agreeing that the company would be the league’s “live music entertainment strategist.”