Adam Levine is 'still formulating a lot of things' about potential Super Bowl performance
Adam Levine still won’t say exactly whether Maroon 5 will perform the halftime show at the upcoming Super Bowl.
Multiple reports confirmed in September the appearance would happen, and Levine himself has teased it. However, in a new interview, the band’s frontman seemed somewhat uncertain how it would all play out. “I’m still formulating a lot of things,” he told Variety.
The reason for Levine’s hesitancy undoubtedly stems from the debate about the National Football League’s treatment of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who kneeled during the national anthem at the start of games to protest racial injustice, and other players have followed Kaepernick’s actions. President Trump and others have criticized them.
In the wake of the controversy, Rihanna and Pink both reportedly turned down the gig, and a Change.org petition, which has already garnered almost 64,000 signatures, asks that Levine and Maroon 5 do the same. The petition notes that Levine “has been a strong supporter of same sex marriage and LGBT rights” and argues that he should treat the players with the same respect.
“Maroon 5: Americans look to artists and celebrities as leaders, and you have huge opportunity to use your influence to take a stand,” the petition reads.
And while there are obviously thousands calling on Maroon 5 to skip the NFL’s biggest game of the year, much of social media wants them to play.
YES @adamlevine @maroon5
Please use your voice and platform just like @Kaepernick7 did to stand up against the injustices against minorities in this country!
He risked his entire career and passion to speak out! you guys can turn down one performance! Do the right thing!— Kim (@BGCloverrr) November 27, 2018
But someone else will just step in to perform. I don’t recall this outrage last year for jt
— Beth Barton (@Bethybarton) November 27, 2018
All these celebs mad at Adam Levine for doing the halftime show yet still fine with the guys actually still playing in the NFL make no sense to me. he better play that Super Bowl
— mimi (@mybbpage) November 27, 2018
O Amy schumer and this petition for Adam Levine to back out of the Super Bowl in support of Colin kaepernick. How about focus on the actual people in the nfl lol the entertainment is off limits i feel
— mimi (@mybbpage) November 27, 2018
@maroon5 @adamlevine please stand strong. Super Bowl is a big deal and you have earned the privilege to be there. #PerformSuperBowl #StopTheBullying
— MoralsMatter (@MorganMrs) November 16, 2018
Levine had a message for social media hours after his new interview was published: “F*** em.”
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