NFL Stands by Bad Bunny Amid MAGA Backlash Over Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
The NFL defends Bad Bunny as Super Bowl LX halftime performer despite criticism from the MAGA community and calls for replacement by George Strait.
- • Bad Bunny announced as the Super Bowl LX halftime show headliner.
- • MAGA figures, including Donald Trump, criticize the decision due to Spanish-language music.
- • A petition with over 77,000 signatures calls for replacing Bad Bunny with George Strait.
- • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defends the choice, highlighting Bad Bunny's global popularity.
Key details
The National Football League (NFL) has firmly defended its decision to select Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, following strong backlash from the MAGA community and notable political figures. Bad Bunny’s announcement as the halftime performer generated significant controversy primarily due to his Spanish-language music, which some critics argue does not embody traditional American culture.
Former President Donald Trump described the NFL's choice as "absolutely ridiculous" and admitted unfamiliarity with Bad Bunny. Trump's former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, went further by threatening to deploy ICE agents at the Super Bowl venue to enforce immigration controls, stating, "there's no place to provide refuge for those in this country without documentation."
Simultaneously, a viral petition with over 77,000 signatures demanded that the NFL replace Bad Bunny with country music legend George Strait, claiming the halftime show should reflect American culture and family values. Additionally, the conservative group Turning Point USA announced plans to host an alternative halftime event titled "The All-American Halftime Show," focusing on celebrating faith, family, and freedom.
In response to the backlash, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice, highlighting Bad Bunny’s status as one of the world’s most popular artists and emphasizing the league’s intent to deliver an exciting, unifying experience to a diverse audience. "This was a well-considered decision aiming to showcase an electrifying show that resonates broadly," Goodell said.
This controversy underscores the cultural and political tensions surrounding one of the biggest entertainment spectacles in the United States, reflecting broader debates about representation and identity. Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny remains slated to perform, bringing his Latin music influence to the Super Bowl stage for the first time.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.