Rihanna was asked to headline Super Bowl LII's halftime show, but said no in support of Colin Kaepernick, a person with knowledge of the offer told Us Weekly on Thursday.
"The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year's performer in Atlanta," the person said. "They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn't agree with the NFL's stance." Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, started a national conversation when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest against police brutality. He has not played since the 2016 season, and has filed a grievance, accusing the NFL and owners of colluding to keep him from playing.
Once Rihanna turned down the NFL's offer, Maroon 5 was asked to perform, an invitation the band accepted.
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