The NFL’s announcement of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl LX halftime show has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with conservative fans and MAGA influencers threatening boycotts and accusing the league of ditching American roots for foreign flair. Unveiled on September 28, 2025, during a Sunday Night Football broadcast, the decision to feature the reggaeton artist—known for his Spanish-language hits and outspoken political views—at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026, has split the fanbase wide open. Critics argue the choice prioritizes “woke” diversity over classic American entertainment, while supporters hail it as a bold step toward inclusivity in a globalized era.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has dominated 2025 with his album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” sold-out Puerto Rico residencies that boosted the island’s economy by millions, and roles in films like “Happy Gilmore 2” and “Caught Stealing.” His selection by the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation—Jay-Z’s company handling the shows since 2019—promises a high-energy spectacle blending Latin trap and reggaeton. In a teaser video, the artist perched on a goalpost in traditional Puerto Rican attire, teasing tracks like “Callaíta,” and declared in a statement: “This is for my people, my culture, and our history.” NFL execs praised his ability to “bridge genres, languages, and audiences,” eyeing the massive viewership boost from his international fanbase, which could top last year’s 130 million for Kendrick Lamar’s performance.

But the backlash hit like a blitz. Right-wing commentators erupted on X and cable news, slamming Bad Bunny’s primarily Spanish lyrics as un-American and his anti-ICE stance as anti-patriotic. The artist skipped U.S. mainland tour dates for his latest album, citing fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids could target his largely Latino fans—a decision that drew ire from figures like podcaster Benny Johnson, who called the NFL “self-destructing” by platforming a “massive Trump hater.” Newsmax’s Greg Kelly urged a full NFL boycott, lamenting that Bad Bunny “hates America, hates President Trump, hates ICE, hates the English language!” X users echoed the sentiment, with one viral post racking up thousands of likes: “The average halftime viewer in Des Moines doesn’t speak fluent reggaeton.” Hashtags like #BoycottBadBunny trended, fueled by complaints that the show would expose kids to “grossly inappropriate content” and erode football’s traditional appeal.

The political heat escalated when Trump administration officials weighed in. DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski announced ICE would have a presence at the Super Bowl, while Secretary Kristi Noem warned the NFL “won’t be able to sleep at night,” insisting only “law-abiding Americans who love this country” should attend. Noem’s comments, delivered on a conservative podcast, amplified fears of deportations at the event, turning the halftime into a flashpoint for immigration debates. Petitions on Change.org demanded Bad Bunny’s replacement, with some falsely claiming teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Detroit Lions had petitioned the league—rumors debunked as hoaxes. Fox News’ Joe Concha predicted the NFL might drop him amid the “huge backlash,” floating alternatives like Metallica, a nod to the host city’s rock heritage.

Bad Bunny fired back with his signature swagger. Hosting “Saturday Night Live” on October 5, he mocked the outrage in his monologue, rolling clips of Fox News anchors fumbling his name and quipping, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn” Spanish. Switching to his native tongue, he thanked Latino fans for opening doors in America, framing the gig as a cultural triumph: “Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away.” The skit went viral, delighting supporters who see his performance as subversive resistance, echoing past shows like Shakira and J.Lo’s 2020 set with caged child performers protesting family separations.

Defenders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, dismissed the meltdown as overblown, with Newsom teasing critics on X: “Benny calm down, we all know you listen to Bad Bunny lol.” Analysts note the NFL’s halftime history of controversy—from Lamar’s “not enough white people” complaints to Beyoncé’s Black Panther nods—yet viewership soars regardless. Bad Bunny’s prior Super Bowl cameo with J.Lo and Shakira proves his draw, and Roc Nation’s track record suggests a spectacle blending politics and spectacle.

As boycott calls multiply on X, with users vowing to skip the show or tune out sponsors like Apple Music, the NFL stands firm, refusing to bow to pressure. Pundits predict the uproar will only amplify hype, drawing even more eyes to what could be the most-watched halftime ever—a reggaeton revolution on America’s gridiron stage. In this polarized climate, Bad Bunny’s mic drop isn’t just music; it’s a middle finger to tradition, forcing football’s heartland to confront a multicultural America that’s already here.