Jay-Z Says Family's Sitting During National Anthem at Super Bowl Not Political Statement

"I didn't have to make a silent protest," the rap mogul said. "The artists that we chose, Colombian Shakira, Puerto Rican J-Lo. We were making the biggest loudest protest of all."

Rapper Jay-Z said he and his family were not trying to make a political statement when they remained seated during the national anthem at the Super Bowl, according to NBC News.

In a video posted Sunday by TMZ, the rap mogul, his wife, Beyoncé, and their 8-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, were seen sitting as they watched Demi Lovato's performance. The gesture led to speculation that the celebrity couple was making a silent protest.

But, during a discussion Tuesday at Columbia University, Jay-Z said that wasn't the case.

"It wasn't. Sorry," he said when asked if his family's remaining in their seats was meant to convey a message. "It really wasn't."

Read the full story on NBCNews.com.