Last year at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Madonna headlined the game’s halftime show bringing out special guest Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Cee-Lo Green, and M.I.A. While performing “Give Me All Your Luvin,” M.I.A spawned controversy by giving the middle finger to live cameras in the midst of the festivities, which censors couldn’t edit in time. M.I.A. mouthed “I don’t give a shit” during the gesture, but the NFL certainly cared. Now, nearly 2 years later, they hit the multi-artist with a $1.5M dollar lawsuit.
The NFL is claiming the singer breached her performance contract according to The Hollywood Reporter, which the one time private lawsuit has become public after months of going back in forth between both sides. The singer’s holding company and the NFL entered an agreement just weeks before the big game to ensure all elements of the performance remain tasteful.
UPDATE: M.I.A. reacts to NFL’s lawsuit with a response video.
With the case moving forward now, her defense team plans to counter claim the NFL calling the lawsuit as ridiculous. Her attorney Howard King spoke this week saying,
“Of course, the NFL’s claimed reputation for wholesomeness is hilarious,” King said, “in light of the weekly felonies committed by its stars, the bounties placed by coaches on opposing players, the homophobic and racist comments uttered by its players, the complete disregard for the health of players and the premature deaths that have resulted from same, and the raping of public entities ready to sacrifice public funds to attract teams.”
OS REWIND: M.I.A. – Come Walk With Me
OS REWIND: M.I.A. – Bring The Noize [Music Video]