The announcement that Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show is not well received by MAGA supporters, with many voicing their anger over the NFL’s choice of performer.
Bunny is popular for his fierce political stances and unapologetic activism, Bad Bunny’s selection has rubbed some conservative commentators and fans the wrong way. Many have even called to boycott the event as a whole.
What is the reason behind the backlash?
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, is a popular figure in Latin music, dominating the charts and streaming platforms for years.
His album ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ became Spotify’s most-streamed album of all time, and he was named the most-played artist on the platform for three consecutive years.
Bad Bunny is not just known for his chart-topping hits. He has also used his platform to speak out on Puerto Rican identity, LGBTQIA+ rights, women’s issues, and social justice.
These stances have earned him both support and fierce criticism, particularly from conservative circles.
Why is MAGA angry at him?
The MAGA backlash to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance is due to multiple grievances.
Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson made his disdain clear on X, calling Bad Bunny a “massive Trump hater” and accusing him of being an “anti-ICE activist.”
Johnson’s post also pointed out that the artist sings exclusively in Spanish, which he framed as a further cultural alienation from mainstream America.
“The NFL is self-destructing year after year,” Johnson lamented, referring to previous halftime shows that created similar discontent, such as this year’s performance by Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Fox News host Tomi Lahren also joined the chorus of criticism, claiming, “He’s not an American artist,” a statement that was quickly debunked by critics, as Bad Bunny, born in Puerto Rico, is an American citizen.
Bad Bunny’s advocacy for Puerto Rican rights and his activism in support of marginalised groups, including LGBTQ+ communities, have put him at odds with certain conservative factions.
His bold statements on issues like women’s rights, gender expression, and social justice make him a lightning rod for MAGA critics who view his progressive views as an affront to their ideals.
In 2020, during the presidential campaign, Bad Bunny endorsed Kamala Harris, who had promised to advocate for Puerto Rico’s well-being.
This endorsement, along with his long history of political activism, has made Bad Bunny a figure of particular ire among right-wing circles.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has weighed in, declaring that ICE agents will be “all over” the 2026 Super Bowl, adding to the charged political atmosphere surrounding the event.
Bad Bunny himself has expressed concerns about potential ICE raids during his concerts in the US explaining that he deliberately avoided scheduling any mainland U.S. stops during his world tour to sidestep federal intervention.
The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance is not limited to political disagreements.
Far-right figures like Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have already condemned the show, suggesting that it is another example of the NFL embracing “demonic sexual performances” during its halftime broadcasts.
Greene also took the opportunity to push for English to be made the official language of the U.S., framing Bad Bunny’s performance as another example of a “foreign” influence on American culture.
Meanwhile, the star’s music catalogue has seen a surge in streams as conservatives rally against him, and others stand by his groundbreaking achievements.
Bad Bunny has used his platform to address complex social issues with both artistry and authenticity, and while the political impact of his Super Bowl performance remains to be seen, it is certain that the event will not be without its controversy.