Beyoncé’s Halftime Finger-Gun Gesture Sparks Controversy at NFL Christmas Day Game
The occasion was a match between Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens which was being played at the NRG stadium in Houston, Texas on Christmas Day.
Pop singer Beyonce was enthralling the audience with her performance during the halftime of the match.
The singer belted out songs from her most recent album “Cowboy Carter.”
In between the entertaining interval a particular hand gesture that Beyonce made caught the attention of the fans.
What did Beyonce do when a controversy started? Read on to know more about this story.
Beyoncé’s Halftime Finger-Gun Gesture Draws Mixed Reactions
1 THE BANG NOISE IN THIS TEASER WHEN THE BLACK SCREEN & "ACT ii" CAME UP— ("BANG")— YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS UP😭 pic.twitter.com/A44RNpYpHm
— 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) December 26, 2024
The pop singer was at the end of her performance and was wrapping up her show when a large “Bang” banner unfolded behind her and was raised above the field on scaffolding.
At that very moment,t Beyonce performed a finger-gun motion with her hands.
Many fans did not take to this gesture kindly and vent their emotions on social media with much poking fun at the 43-year-old pop singer.
One user on X said,
“The way Beyonce single-handedly brought back finger guns, gotta give it up.”
A second user commented,
“Is the NFL going to fine Beyonce for finger guns?”
NFL is going to fine Beyoncé for those finger guns.
— Matt Reigle (@Matt_Reigle) December 25, 2024
A third person wrote,
“Where is the flag on Beyonce for the finger guns?!?!”,.
15 yard flag on Beyoncé for unsportsmanlike conduct
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) December 25, 2024
One may wonder how an innocuous-looking gesture became a full-blown controversy.
The NFL has in the past set up directions which forbid certain gestures which imply or promote violence.
Any form of gesture which hints at gun symbolism is forbidden and will invite a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The move was initiated to promote a peaceful and friendly image of the games.
The decision was criticized by a section of players and fans who deemed it as stifling freedom of expression and overreacting to something trivial.
Fans are now joking if Beyonce will also face some kind of fine or reprimand.
NFL chief Troy Vincent had categorically put forth the league’s stance on such gestures at an October meeting.
Vincent had stated that there was no place for such unprofessionalism in the NFL.
He added that the NFL was showcasing what it is to society and must be careful with what it represents.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also echoed similar sentiments and said that it is the NFL policy to prevent any such unprofessional behavior and if it fails to do so it will send a wrong signal to the public.
