Kya Buller
Beyoncé delivered the performance of a lifetime for her NFL halftime show that was broadcast on Netflix yesterday (25 December).
The streaming platform showed a Christmas Gameday broadcast yesterday, showing games between Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the Ravens vs. Texans.
Speaking out ahead of the broadcast, Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, said: “Last year, we decided to take a big bet on live — tapping into massive fandoms across comedy, reality TV, sports, and more.
"There are no live annual events, sports or otherwise, that compare with the audiences NFL football attracts. We’re so excited that the NFL’s Christmas Day games will be only on Netflix.”
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For those not necessarily sports inclined, however, it was still well worth tuning in to watch Beyoncé's epic performance.
The 43-year-old megastar performed at the NRG Stadium, donning a white bejewelled bodysuit along with a cowboy hat.
With an extensive catalogue of hits to choose from, viewers enjoyed watching Queen Bey perform the likes of '16 Carriages', 'Jolene' and 'Blackbiird' - as well as the critically acclaimed 'Texas Hold 'Em' from her album Cowboy Carter.
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It was during the country hit that Beyoncé shocked viewers with a surprising hand gesture. When singing the word 'bang,' the singer raised her arm up and pretended to shoot a gun.
The moment caused shockwaves across social media, with one user writing on X: "Queen Bey's tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix's Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege, while NFL players get fined for basic touchdown celebrations.
"The performance, her first since husband Jay-Z's legal troubles made headlines, seemed more focused on controversy than Christmas spirit, complete with mock shootouts at a family event.
"Looks like the self-proclaimed Queen of Texas just proved there's one set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone else - even in her hometown stadium."
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Another said: "Would just like to note that Beyoncé is doing the double gun gesture which is banned in the NFL and a 15 yard penalty."
NFL stars have faced hefty fines for making gun gestures, with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku both being fined over $10,000.
NFL executive Troy Vincent has previously made comments about the gesture, declaring: "There’s no place in professional football for that. Think about where we are as a society… I don’t think that’s where we are and what we’re trying to represent. We have a responsibility as professional athletes."
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Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, also said: "Troy had a direct conversation with the union, I think, just last week about it. We're going to continue on that focus. We don't think it's appropriate in those circumstances and sends the wrong messages. "So, we'll continue to do that."
LADbible Group has reached out to Beyoncé's representatives for comment.