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Jay-Z Says He, Beyonce Weren't Protesting During National Anthem at Super Bowl

Joel C Ryan/Associated Press

Jay-Z said he was focused on work alongside his wife, Beyonce, while the United States national anthem played before Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, and confirmed their decision to remain seated during "The Star-Spangled Banner" was not a form of silent protest.

TMZ Sports provided comments the music mogul made about the situation during a Q&A session at Columbia University on Tuesday night.

"It actually wasn't," Jay-Z said when asked whether he was trying to "convey a signal" with his actions at the Super Bowl. "Sorry."

Roc Nation, the entertainment group the longtime rapper founded, is in charge of the Super Bowl entertainment, and he explained what was going through the high-profile couple's mind during the anthem, per TMZ.