After facing criticism for his halftime performance during the Thanksgiving Day game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, Jack Harlow took to Instagram to provide insight into his decision to headline the show and the personal significance it held for him.

Total budget for Jack Harlow halftime show = $49.99 pic.twitter.com/EinPJ2gphr

— Dr. Johnny (@drjohnny__) November 23, 2023

In a series of Instagram Stories on Friday, the “Lovin on Me” rapper shared the genuine reasons behind accepting the opportunity. Harlow, 25, revealed, “On some real shit, the main thing that pushed me to say yes to this Thanksgiving halftime show aside from the opportunity itself, is how much family I have in Detroit and all of the times I spent growing up visiting the city.”

The Kentucky native went on to share a poignant family story, recounting the tragic passing of his great-great-grandfather, a devoted Lions fan. Harlow stated, “I kid you not, my great-great-grandfather had a heart attack and passed away in the stands at the Lions Thanksgiving game in the 1960s. I’m not even bullshitting, and you know I had to bring it home for bro.”

Despite Harlow’s heartfelt connection to the performance, social media was abuzz with jokes and criticism, leading to the removal of his performance from the NFL’s YouTube page. Some viewers expressed disappointment, claiming that he had marred the holiday festivities. Criticisms were directed at Harlow’s elaborate set and a seemingly unprepared hype man who joined him on stage for “Tyler Herro.”

Undeterred by the mixed reactions, Jack Harlow has since moved forward, attending a Louisville Cardinals event on Saturday. Looking ahead, the artist is set to embark on the No Place Like Home tour in Kentucky throughout December.