Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and his announcement has sparked a wave of reactions online. Many fans expressed disappointment, primarily because they felt his songs are not in English. In response to the backlash, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Ocasio, suggested that those unhappy with his performance should consider learning Spanish.
The 31-year-old artist addressed the criticism during a recent appearance on "Saturday Night Live." He spoke in Spanish, emphasizing the significance of his performance for the Latino community in the United States. He said it represents a collective achievement and that their contributions to the country are undeniable. He then switched to English, telling viewers they have four months to learn the language if they want to understand his performance.
Social media reactions varied widely. Some users criticized Bad Bunny’s comments, suggesting that if an English-speaking artist made a similar statement in another country, they would face backlash. Others defended him, arguing that his performance is a celebration of representation and diversity.
Bad Bunny has previously made headlines for his stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He has openly criticized the agency and even chose not to perform in the U.S. out of concern for his fans’ safety, fearing ICE might target concertgoers.
The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As the event approaches, the conversation surrounding Bad Bunny’s performance is likely to continue, highlighting issues of language, culture, and representation in the entertainment industry.
