Travis Scott Wouldn't Play Super Bowl Halftime Show Without Charitable Commitment From NFL: Exclusive
Travis Scott has signed on to perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl LIII -- but only after the NFL agreed to join him in donating to a cause for social justice, Billboard has learned.
The "Sicko Mode" star was confirmed as a special guest set to join Maroon 5 for the halftime show back in December. A source close to the negotiations has now confirmed to Billboard that Scott required the NFL to make a joint donation to an organization fighting for social justice in order for him to move forward with the event.
Scott made a $500,000 donation in partnership with the NFL to "social justice accelerator" Dream Corps, an organization founded by Van Jones in 2014, and will work with the NFL on additional initiatives.
“I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in," Scott said in a statement. "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."
News of Scott's involvement with the halftime show -- which takes place on Sunday, Feb. 3 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- was initially met with some criticism. Michael B. Jordan, Reverend Al Sharpton and others voiced their disapproval of Scott's choice to team up with the NFL after their treatment of quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick.
Several artists have reportedly turned down halftime show offers to demonstrate their support for Kaepernick, including Rihanna, JAY-Z and Cardi B, whose collaboration with Maroon 5, "Girls Like You," currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Maroon 5 were confirmed to play the Super Bowl halftime show in September.
Updated with Scott's statement.
