The NFL is facing a surge of backlash for selecting Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The announcement, made on September 28, 2025, by the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation (Jay-Z's entertainment company), has ignited a firestorm primarily from conservative and MAGA (Make America Great Again) circles.
Critics argue the choice disrespects "American values," promotes anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activism, and prioritizes a Spanish-language performer over English-speaking artists. This has led to boycott calls, viral social media outrage, and even threats of ICE presence at the event—though the White House has denied any such plans
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The backlash has escalated rapidly over the past week, amplified by Bad Bunny's weekend, Saturday Night Live (SNL) monologue where he mocked detractors, joking that "everyone is happy about it, even Fox News" and challenging non-Spanish speakers to "learn" before the show.
The backlash has escalated rapidly over the past week, amplified by Bad Bunny's weekend, Saturday Night Live (SNL) monologue where he mocked detractors, joking that "everyone is happy about it, even Fox News" and challenging non-Spanish speakers to "learn" before the show.
Key Reasons for the BacklashThe criticism centers on Bad Bunny's identity, politics, and recent decisions, framed by opponents as unpatriotic or "woke." Here's a breakdown:
Pre-announcement speculation was minimal, but post-September 28, coverage spiked. By Monday, SNL's monologue has generated fresh waves, with X posts surging (e.g., 20+ recent threads calling for boycotts). Reddit's r/OutOfTheLoop thread exploded with 308 votes discussing Trump/Republican upset and ICE memes.
Not all reaction is negative—many hail it as a historic milestone for Latino representation, echoing past controversies like Shakira/J.Lo (2020) or José Feliciano's 1968 anthem. Bad Bunny's defenders emphasize his global stardom (e.g., most-played Spotify artist in 2023) and note the Super Bowl's diverse audience. Jennifer Lopez: "He’s one of the top artists... His music transcends language."
Fans on X: "Boycott? We'll buy every seat you give up." Some threaten counter-boycotts if the NFL caves. Rolling Stone called it "subversive" amid anti-Latino sentiment.