Beyoncé dazzled audiences during the Christmas Day halftime show at the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens game, where she was joined by her 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. However, her husband, Jay-Z, was noticeably absent as he contends with recent legal allegations.
The highly anticipated performance at NRG Stadium showcased Beyoncé in a stunning white bodysuit paired with a cowgirl hat. The superstar performed hits from her latest album, "Cowboy Carter," and brought Blue Ivy onstage for a lively line dance. Blue Ivy's appearance thrilled the crowd, particularly as Beyoncé playfully altered a lyric to reference her daughter.
The halftime event, part of Netflix's inaugural partnership with the NFL for Christmas programming, marked Beyoncé's live debut of songs from her latest album. The performance also included collaborations with artists like Post Malone and Shaboozey.
Blue Ivy just joined Beyoncé on stage to line dance during her performance of Texas Hold 'Em#BeyonceBowl pic.twitter.com/XWkVRXk8nB — Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) December 25, 2024
The family affair came as Jay-Z, 55, faces a recently amended lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault dating back to 2000. The claims surfaced after an earlier suit filed against Sean "Diddy" Combs expanded to include the Roc Nation founder.
Jay-Z has denied the allegations, which involve accusations from a woman identified as "Jane Doe" claiming the assaults took place at an afterparty following the 2000 Video Music Awards. In a statement issued after the lawsuit's amendment, Jay-Z expressed concern for his family and the impact the claims may have on his children.
Despite the controversy, the NFL continues to stand by its partnership with Roc Nation, which has handled the league's halftime shows since 2019. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated the league's position at a press conference earlier this month, emphasizing, "Our relationship with Roc Nation remains unchanged."
The allegations have not deterred Jay-Z from maintaining a public presence. Earlier this month, he attended the premiere of Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King" with Beyoncé and Blue Ivy, who both contribute voice roles to the film. The event marked the family's united front amid growing scrutiny.
During Beyoncé's Houston performance, she took a moment to express gratitude to her fans and collaborators, ensuring that the festive spirit remained the focus. Meanwhile, Jay-Z has pledged to defend himself against the accusations as the case moves forward.
