Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny has found himself in hot water after a video surfaced showing him seated during the performance of "God Bless America" at a New York Yankees game. The incident occurred on Tuesday night and has sparked a wave of criticism online.
In the clip, which was first shared by TMZ, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Ocasio, remains in his seat while others around him stand and sing along. The U.S. Flag Code does not specifically require people to stand for "God Bless America," but it is generally considered respectful to do so at sporting events. This custom became popular after the September 11 attacks, when Major League Baseball began playing the song in honor of first responders and military personnel.
Many fans and social media users have expressed their disappointment, viewing his actions as disrespectful to the United States. Bad Bunny has previously stirred controversy with his outspoken views on immigration, particularly his criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He has referred to ICE agents in harsh terms and has spoken about his concerns regarding their presence at his concerts, which led him to avoid touring in the U.S. for a time.
Adding to the backlash, some have noted that all of Bad Bunny’s songs are in Spanish, leading to calls for a boycott of the NFL and demands for a different performer for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, where he is set to perform. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, expressing his confusion over Bad Bunny’s selection and stating he had never heard of him.
In a recent interview, Bad Bunny addressed the criticism he received after the Super Bowl announcement, suggesting that those who do not understand his music should learn Spanish. He even joked during a "Saturday Night Live" appearance, saying, "If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn."
As the conversation continues, Bad Bunny’s actions at the Yankees game have reignited discussions about respect for American traditions and the role of artists in addressing political issues.
