Super Bowl Chaos: Boos, Backlash, and a Bizarre Ad

Super Bowl LIX was the most watched Super Bowl ever with 127.7 million viewers. But beyond the game itself, three major moments had people talking—one, a controversial commercial about breast cancer awareness; two, whether Taylor Swift was actually the one booed at when she appeared on the jumbotron; and three, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, which was packed with symbolism and a bold message.

A commercial that sparked an uproar was “Your Attention, Please,” a breast cancer awareness ad that focused on women’s breasts, presented by Novartis, a pharmaceutical corporation. The commercial featured popular celebrities, such as Hailee Steinfeld, along with female athletes  and everyday women, doing everyday things. 

According to AdWeek, showing breasts in all forms and fashions was to stress the importance of paying attention to them—especially when it comes to spotting signs of cancer. The ad was designed to shock viewers into focusing on the message, but it left people divided. Some thought the attention-grabbing approach was necessary, while others felt women don’t need to be objectified or sexualized to spread awareness. It’s obvious that the commercial took a bold approach.

For too long, media and advertising have leaned on objectification as a shortcut for engagement. Women don’t need to be objectified or sexualized to make a statement, advocate for a cause, or gain attention. The idea that sex appeal is necessary to engage an audience diminishes the value of the message itself and reinforces outdated stereotypes. Advocacy should be about the issue at hand, not about fitting into a certain image to get attention. Respect, representation, and genuine messaging should always come before shock value. 

Taylor Swift also made headlines—not for a performance, but for the reaction she received from the crowd. Attending the Super Bowl to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Swift was shown on the jumbotron. And instead of the usual eruption of cheers, she was met with boos from fans in the stadium. Though Swift appeared briefly surprised, she quickly smiled and continued enjoying the game.

Many speculated that the booing came from Philadelphia Eagles fans: Eagles fans are known for their passionate, and sometimes intense, game-day energy. However, others believed the reaction was less about football and more about Swift’s massive public presence, with some people growing tired of her frequent media coverage.

Despite the negativity, Swift had plenty of support. Tennis legend Serena Williams took to social media, telling Swift not to listen to the boos, while Eagles player Saquon Barkley also came to her defense, saying she’s helped bring more attention to the sport and made the game bigger. Swift didn’t let the moment faze her, and whether the boos were all in good fun or fueled by frustration, one thing is clear—Swift’s presence at NFL games remains a major talking point, whether people like it or not. Regarding the booing of Swift, Salsabil Zahid said, “people overreacted—it was just a few seconds [of Swift on the jumbotron]. She’s bringing in young fans, but some adults don’t like the attention she gets.”

Then there was Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance—a moment packed with symbolism and meaning. Performing Not Like Us, Lamar didn’t just deliver a song; he made a statement. His set was filled with powerful imagery, from the chessboard-like stage to the intense choreography, all reinforcing themes of control, resistance, and individuality. In an industry that often pressures artists to conform, Lamar used the biggest stage in sports to reaffirm his identity and artistic independence.

From the controversial commercial to the unexpected crowd reaction to Swift, and finally, to Lamar’s powerful halftime statement, Super Bowl LIX was more than just a game. It was a reflection of pop culture, media influence, and the conversations that continue long after the final whistle. Whether through advertising, music, or even a simple moment on the jumbotron, the biggest night in football once again proved that its impact stretches far beyond the field.