Rihanna was reportedly approached with an invitation to perform – but declined in a show of support for former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick became a figurehead for protests against racial inequality and injustice in the US after he began kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games during the 2016 season. He alleges that he was blacklisted from NFL teams as a result of his stance.

He has since been chosen as the face of Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, which featured ads with Kaepernick's face and the quote: "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

"The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year's performer in Atlanta," a source reportedly told Us Weekly. "They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn't agree with the NFL's stance."

The Independent has contacted Rihanna's representative for comment.

Rihanna has been in the studio working on her new album, which is apparently going to be heavily reggae-inspired. She recently accepted a new ambassadorial role from Barbados, which she will use to promote education, tourism and investment.

10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Show all 10 1 /10 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Aerosmith, Britney Spears, NSync, Mary J Blinge, Nelly: Super Bowl 2001 (​XXXV​) Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time 2. Michael Jackson: Super Bowl 1993 ​(XXVII​) Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Madonna, Nicky Minaj: Super Bowl 2012 (XLVI​) 2012 Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Paul McCartney: Super Bowl 2005 (​XXXIX​) 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Janet Jackson: Super Bowl 2004 (​XXXIII​) Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, 2009 Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Prince:Super Bowl 2007 (​XLI​) Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Katy Perry: Super Bowl 2015 (XLIX)​ Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time U2: Super Bowl 2002 ​(XXXVI​) Getty Images 10 Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Beyonce: Super Bowl 2013 Getty Images

The artist, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, accepted the honour and said she "couldn't be more proud to take on the new role".

Prime minister Mia Amor Mottley said in a statement: "Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in areas of health and education. She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back ot this country and continues to treasure the island as her home."