NFL stands with Bad Bunny despite Super Bowl halftime backlash
The NFL announced it will keep its original Super Bowl halftime headliner regardless of the amount of right-wing backlash. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Bad Bunny would remain the halftime act, even after President Donald Trump criticized the choice.
The commissioner said the NFL made the decision after careful consideration and that you can’t please everyone.
Goodell said, “It’s carefully thought through. I would say that I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching. But, we’re confident that it’s going to be a great show and that he understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”
Bad Bunny, who has openly criticized Trump, will likely perform in Spanish when he takes the stage on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium.
Following the announcement, the Department of Homeland Security announced Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials would be present at the Super Bowl.
Who is Bad Bunny?
Bad Bunny’s real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. He was born in Puerto Rico and has been nominated for 10 Grammys.
He won in the best música urbana album category for “Un Verano Sin Ti” and “El Último Tour del Mundo,” and in the best Latin pop or urban album category for “YHLQMDLG.”
His music has propelled Spanish-language hits to the top of the global charts. He has also been vocal about the social issues affecting Puerto Rico.
Earlier this month, Bad Bunny announced he would not be touring in the U.S. due to fears that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would target fans outside of his shows.
However, an hour before the NFL made its announcement, he posted on X saying he would do one show in the U.S.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
