Bad Bunny responded forcefully to critics who expressed disapproval of his upcoming performance at the Super Bowl halftime show. The Puerto Rican rapper, known for popular tracks like “Soy Peor” and his collaboration on Cardi B’s “I Like It,” made headlines last week when he was announced as the halftime show headliner. Breaking new ground, Bad Bunny will deliver his performance entirely in Spanish, a significant moment for Latino culture that has sparked controversy among certain conservative figures.
During the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, where he served as host, Bad Bunny humorously remarked, “I think everybody is happy about it — even Fox News,” in reference to being named the halftime show headliner. He proceeded to express pride and joy in Spanish over this milestone, urging those who didn’t understand to learn the language within the four months leading up to the show.
Notably, the rapper has been vocal in the past about his criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. His Instagram video in June condemned federal agents in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory. Bad Bunny’s music often carries pro-immigrant messages, with one music video even featuring a pro-immigrant speech delivered in a style mimicking the U.S. president’s voice.
Concerns over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions led Bad Bunny to exclude the U.S. from his most recent world tour, which concluded recently. In a conversation with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that ICE officials would be present at the Super Bowl to ensure safety. Noem emphasized that only law-abiding Americans should attend the event, without specifying the nature of the officials’ duties.
Critics, including Johnson and fellow activists, heavily scrutinized the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny for the halftime show, labeling it as divisive and politically charged. Some critics suggested that other artists, like rock band Creed or Kid Rock, would have been more suitable choices. The backlash even extended to labeling Bad Bunny as “demonic.” The situation prompted a satirical comment on SNL’s Weekend Update segment, poking fun at the notion of ICE targeting farm workers at the Super Bowl.
