LOS ANGELES – The announcement that Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), the Puerto Rican superstar and first solo male Latin artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2026, has ignited a fierce culture war, transforming America’s biggest entertainment event into a political battleground. Rather than uniting viewers, the NFL’s decision has exposed deep divisions among fans regarding American identity, language, and the role of entertainment in society.

The Historic Choice and the Political Backlash

Bad Bunny is one of the most-streamed artists globally, yet his massive success has not shielded him from intense criticism from conservative groups and allies of President Donald Trump.

Immediately following the NFL’s announcement, a wave of outrage from right-wing commentators and MAGA supporters erupted, focusing on three primary points of contention:

Language: Bad Bunny performs predominantly in Spanish. Critics, including some public figures, questioned whether a “patriotic” event should feature a performance largely in a language other than English.
Politics & Identity: The artist is a vocal critic of Trump-era immigration policies and an advocate for progressive causes. Some critics suggest the NFL’s choice of a “Trump hater” was a deliberate, divisive political move.
Gender Expression: Bad Bunny’s gender-fluid fashion and style have been targeted by some extreme critics as “inappropriate” or “demonic,” fueling viral comments about him being a “man in a dress.”

Political figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) called the selection “terrible,” and President Donald Trump admitted he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny, dismissing the decision as “absolutely ridiculous.” Some opponents even suggested “more patriotic” alternatives like Creed or Kid Rock.

The NFL Stands Firm

Despite calls for boycotts (including proposals from some conservative groups to host a rival “All-American Halftime Show”) and political condemnation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell firmly defended the choice.

Speaking at the NFL’s fall meeting, Goodell emphasized: “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve… We’re confident it’s going to be a great show and a united moment.” The NFL has stressed that selecting Bad Bunny is part of a strategy to celebrate his “people, culture, and history,” while recognizing the growing purchasing power and influence of the Latinx community in the U.S. and globally.

The Cultural Impact: Progress vs. Polarization

The intense backlash against Bad Bunny is not simply about music; it’s about who is allowed to represent “America” on a global stage.

Supporters (overwhelmingly Democrats and Independents, according to a Quinnipiac University poll) view this as a historic victory for diversity. They point out that Bad Bunny, a US citizen born in Puerto Rico, is bringing Latin culture—an integral part of the United States—to the biggest stage. Veteran actress Rita Moreno, also Puerto Rican, responded to critics with pride, stating, “I’m Puerto Rican too. So what? What a nuisance!”

Opponents feel alienated, viewing the Super Bowl Halftime Show as a sacred tradition that should remain untouched by evolving cultural symbols and left-leaning politics.

The controversy has pushed Bad Bunny beyond the role of a mere entertainer into a potent symbol of cultural polarization. With the NFL holding its ground, the Super Bowl LX performance will not just be a musical spectacle; it is set to be a watershed cultural moment that clearly illustrates the shifting lines of identity, language, and values being redrawn in America.