Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known worldwide as Bad Bunny, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. His music, fashion, public stances and outspoken activism have all been the talk of the industry.
As he prepares to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 8, 2026, Bad Bunny finds himself at the eye of a heated controversy. What’s at stake is more than just who gets to command one of the biggest stages in entertainment, it’s about whose voices are heard, whose culture is validated and how America deals with diversity.
Some have criticized the National Football League’s choice mainly because Bad Bunny performs mostly in Spanish. Critics argue that the Super Bowl should feature an English-speaking performer since it’s an American event. Others said that this reaction shows how slow the country still is to accept Spanish as part of American culture.
Recently Fox News had a lot to say about Bad Bunny. Jimmy Failla, a host of Fox News, made a lot of hurtful and disrespectful remarks.
“Don’t be mad at me, Jesse. We’ve got a crossdresser who doesn’t even speak English doing the halftime show! I mean, come on. In a perfect world, our celebrities would at least speak English,” Failla said.
Remarks like that don’t just reflect bias, they reveal a deep fear of change. Bad Bunny’s gender-fluid style, bilingual lyrics and unapologetic pride doesn’t fit into the conservative mold of what a “male performer” or an “American artist” is supposed to be. It scares them when they see diversity or see differences beyond traditional stereotypes.
Even some political figures, like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have chimed in.
“It would be a good time to pass my bill to make English the official language of America,” Greene said. “And the NFL needs to stop having demonic sexual performances during its halftime shows.”
Statements like these show how identity and culture are being attacked. Greene’s words tap into the same culture-war politics that attack any form of art or identity that dares to look different or challenge Conservatives’ comfort zone. If it makes them uncomfortable, then it’s wrong.
Bad Bunny recently hosted Saturday Night Live on Oct. 4, and sparked controversy from his monologue, where he expressed gratitude for this opportunity and considered it an achievement for all Latinos.
“Especialmente todos los latinos y latinas alrededor del mundo, y aquí, en los Estados Unidos, todos aquellos que han trabajado para abrir puertas, es más que un logro para mí, es un logro para todos nosotros. Muestra nuestra huella y nuestra contribución a este país, que nadie podrá quitar o borrar,” Bad Bunny said. “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
This is more than just a performance, it’s a message. It’s Latinos taking America back, Latinos aren’t asking to be included anymore, we’re already here, shaping what America sounds and looks like to remind everyone that our voices matter. For decades, our music has been played, our food has been eaten, our style has been copied yet our people have been ignored, mocked and treated unfairly.
Bad Bunny’s presence on that NFL stage will mean something to millions who rarely see themselves represented on the screen. For young Latinos, immigrants and bilingual fans, seeing a Puerto Rican artist perform in Spanish at America’s biggest sporting event isn’t an insult, it’s a celebration. It’s a reminder that identity doesn’t have to fit one language, one gender, or one idea of patriotism.
