Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton has defended his band’s decision to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
Many people have suggested Maroon 5 should not have taken the gig in protest of the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick and its policy on players who take a knee during the national anthem.
"We’re blocking out the noise,” Morton told People. "We’re just doing what we do. We look to have a good time.”
The musician said the band is aware of the criticism and “we’re not ignoring the voices.”
Morton explained: “There are plenty of people — a lot of the players, to be honest — who support Kap and also do their job for the NFL. We’re doing the same thing. We can support being against police brutality against black and brown people and be in support of being able to peacefully protest and still do our jobs.
“We just want to have a good time and entertain people while understanding the important issues that are at hand.”
Maroon 5 will be joined on stage by Travis Scott and Big Boi during the halftime show on Feb. 3 in Atlanta.
Morton replied “we’ll see, man,” when asked by People if Maroon 5 will use the spotlight to make a political statement.
“We got some time before we get there, and whatever we do, I’m going to stand behind [it] and be proud to be up there doing what I do,” he said.