Bad Bunny fired back at 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 with Cardi B on “I Like It,” was recently announced as the halftime show headliner. Demonstrating a monumental moment for Latino culture, Bad Bunny will be the first to perform entirely in Spanish, sparking criticism from some conservative voices.
During his opening monologue as the host of the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, Bad Bunny humorously acknowledged the excitement surrounding his role as the halftime show headliner, joking, “I think everybody is happy about it — even Fox News.” He went on to express Latino pride and joy in Spanish, challenging the audience to learn the language within the four months leading up to the show if they didn’t understand his message.
The rapper has been vocal about his opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. In the past, he criticized federal agents in Puerto Rico and included pro-immigrant themes in his music. Concerned about potential ICE actions at his shows, Bad Bunny skipped the U.S. during his recent world tour.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, responding to queries about ICE’s presence at the Super Bowl, emphasized the agency’s responsibility for ensuring safety at the event. Noem’s statement on a podcast raised questions about potential enforcement actions but did not provide specific details.
Conservative commentators, including Benny Johnson and Robby Starbuck, criticized the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl, labeling it as divisive and politically charged. Some even suggested alternative performers like Kid Rock or the band Creed. The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection also inspired jokes on the Weekend Update segment of SNL, poking fun at the notion of ICE targeting farm workers at the event.