Beyoncé’s highly anticipated halftime performance during Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday broadcast has ignited debate online after the singer made a gesture banned by the league.

Beyoncé performs during the halftime show. Credit: Alex Slitz / Getty

The superstar performed at Houston’s NRG Stadium on December 25, entertaining fans between the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans games.

Riding into the stadium on a white horse, Beyoncé wowed the crowd with renditions of ’16 Carriages’, ‘Blackbird’, ‘Levii’s Jeans’, and ‘Texas Hold ’Em’.

Dressed in a white cowboy hat and matching outfit, she invited guest stars Post Malone and Shaboozey to join her on stage, along with her daughter, Blue Ivy, who performed as a dancer.

Despite the show’s high-energy production, it was a moment during ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ that stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

During her near-13-minute performance, Beyoncé was lifted on a platform while the word “Bang” was displayed behind her. She made a finger-gun gesture, using her thumb and index or middle finger to mimic a handgun.

The gesture has been used by the 43-year-old chart-topper – and even featured on the track’s official visualizer.

However, the move quickly drew backlash online, with some accusing the singer of being tone-deaf and ignoring NFL rules.

The gesture sparked a lot of backlash. Credit: X/Netflix (Screenshot)

X personality Mario Nawfal wrote to his 1.4 million followers: “Queen Bey’s tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix’s Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege, while NFL players get fined for basic touchdown celebrations.

“The performance, her first since husband Jay-Z’s legal troubles made headlines, seemed more focused on controversy than Christmas spirit, complete with mock shootouts at a family event. Looks like the self-proclaimed Queen of Texas just proved there’s one set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone else – even in her hometown stadium.”

Another user pointed out: “Would just like to note that Beyoncé is doing the double gun gesture which is banned in the NFL and a 15-yard penalty.”

A third chimed in: “One set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone.”

The NFL has long enforced strict rules against gestures that mimic violence, penalizing players for similar displays.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku have each been fined over $10,000 for violating the rule, per Yahoo Sports.

NFL executive Troy Vincent has previously defended the policy, stating: “There’s no place in professional football for that. Think about where we are as a society… I don’t think that’s where we are and what we’re trying to represent. We have a responsibility as professional athletes.”

Commissioner Roger Goodell added: “Troy had a direct conversation with the union, I think, just last week about it. We’re going to continue on that focus. We don’t think it’s appropriate in those circumstances and sends the wrong messages. So, we’ll continue to do that.”

The former Destiny’s Child singer put on an incredible performance. Credit: Alex Slitz / Getty

Elsewhere during her performance, Queen Bey delighted fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform ‘Sweet Honey Buckiin’, followed by Post Malone, who joined her for ‘Levi’s Jeans’.

And during her performances of ‘My House’ and ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’, she was also joined on the field by daughter Blue Ivy – who wowed the crowd and viewers with her incredible dance moves.

Blue Ivy showed talent beyond her years. Credit: Netflix (screenshot)

We’ll just have to wait and see if Beyoncé will be treated the same as the players.