Super Bowl halftime show: Travis Scott performance deal requires NFL to donate to social justice charity
Travis Scott has revealed he agreed to headline the Super Bowl LIII halftime show on the condition that the NFL joins him in making a charitable donation to an organisation that fights for social justice.
The Astroworld artist issued a statement, via Pitchfork, following confirmation that he would perform at the event. In partnership with the NFL, Scott is donating $500,000 (£389,350) to the Dream Corps, a charity founded by Van Jones to back social justice efforts.
"I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in," Scott said. "I know being an artist that it's in my power to inspire. So before confirming the Super Bowl halftime performance, I made sure to partner with the NFL on this important donation. I am proud to support Dream Corps and the work they do that will hopefully inspire and promote change."
Scott came under considerable criticism for his decision to headline the halftime show, in particular from his fellow artists. In December last year, a report in Variety said that Jay-Z had apparently attempted to talk Scott out of the performance, after he rejected it himself in 2017 out of support for Colin Kaepernick.
Several other artists reportedly turned down offers to appear at the 2019 show for the same reason, including Rihanna and Cardi B.
Scott was announced as a Super Bowl halftime performer alongside Maroon 5. The NFL has since confirmed that Big Boi will also perform.
This year's Super Bowl takes place in Atlanta on 3 February.
