Numerous conservative football enthusiasts on social media are expressing their discontent following the NFL’s announcement of selecting a prominent global music artist, who is known for criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump, to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican singer and rapper, has achieved significant success, including topping the Billboard Hot 100 with multiple tracks from his recent album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and holding the title of the most streamed album in Spotify history with his 2022 release Un Verano Sin Ti.
Critics from the conservative side are expressing concerns that Bad Bunny might use the Super Bowl stage to deliver anti-Trump messages, highlighting his gender-fluid fashion choices and his preference for performing predominantly in Spanish rather than English.
Conservative activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck criticized the NFL’s choice, stating that it seems geared towards dividing fans rather than uniting them, anticipating that Bad Bunny will convey a politically charged message during the performance.
Stacy Lee Kong, a culture critic and founder of media brand Friday Things based in Toronto, acknowledges Bad Bunny’s broad appeal beyond the Spanish-speaking demographic in the U.S., noting that the controversy surrounding the selection could attract viewers, even those who oppose the decision.
Oh fun. 🙄 <br>No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year… not just for sports. <a href=”https://t.co/Q4Q1ZPJySC”>https://t.co/Q4Q1ZPJySC</a>
—@DanicaPatrick
Kong sees the selection of Bad Bunny as a strategic business move due to his massive fan base and the potential for heightened engagement, even from those who oppose the artist.
Bad Bunny previously made a surprise appearance at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. The NFL, in collaboration with Apple Music and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company, revealed the decision to feature Bad Bunny at the upcoming Super Bowl.
Singer’s Stance on U.S. Tour and ICE Raids
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny, recently completed a successful residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico, comprising 31 sold-out shows. He opted against touring the U.S. mainland due to concerns about potential ICE raids amid widespread deportations of Latino individuals.
In an interview, Bad Bunny expressed apprehension about ICE targeting his concert venues, leading him to forego touring the mainland U.S. to avoid potential encounters with immigration enforcement.
Critics have accused him of inconsistency for agreeing to perform at the Super Bowl despite his previous concerns, prompting questions about the security measures in place to protect his team during the event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., scheduled for February.
Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, hinted at the possibility of ICE enforcement at the Super Bowl, emphasizing that individuals in the country illegally cannot seek refuge at major events, including the Super Bowl.
History of Political Commentary
Bad Bunny has a track