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Modern stage inspired by SNL set design with inset of Bad Bunny performing his monologue
UPDATED Selective US

Bad Bunny Addresses Super Bowl Halftime Show Backlash in SNL Monologue

Bad Bunny addresses backlash over Super Bowl performance

Rapper Bad Bunny responds to criticism about his Super Bowl Halftime show booking, encouraging critics to learn Spanish and emphasizing cultural pride.

  • Bad Bunny excited for Super Bowl show
  • Encourages critics to learn Spanish
  • Remarks celebrate Latino culture
  • Past concerns about ICE at concerts
  • Trump's advisor addresses safety measures
  • Homeland Security comments on NFL choice

Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny seized the opening monologue of Saturday Night Live on October 4, 2025, to confront critics of his upcoming appearance as the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime performer. His remarks highlighted Latino cultural pride and challenged opponents to embrace Spanish-language music.

Monologue Highlights and Translation

Bad Bunny began in English:
“I’m really excited to be doing the Super Bowl, and I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy”.[1][2][3]

He then delivered a message in Spanish:
Especialmente a todos los Latinos y Latinas en los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo que han trabajado para abrir puertas; esto no es solo un logro mío, es un triunfo para todos nosotros. Nuestras huellas y contribuciones en este país nadie las podrá borrar ni quitar.[4][1]

He closed with a playful challenge to non-Spanish speakers:
“If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn”.[3][1][4]

Conservative Criticism and ICE Enforcement Statements

The NFL announced Bad Bunny as the halftime headliner on September 28, 2025. Several conservative commentators questioned his suitability, citing his choice to avoid U.S. tour dates over immigration enforcement concerns.[5][6]

Speaker Platform Quote
Corey Lewandowski “The Benny Show” “There is nowhere in this country you can find refuge if you’re here illegally. Not at the Super Bowl and not anywhere else. We will find you, apprehend you, and deport you” .
Kristi Noem Interview with Benny Johnson “They won’t be able to sleep at night because they don’t know what they believe, and they’re so weak—we’ll fix it” .
Fox News Pundits (montage) Broadcast montage Soundbites mocking Spanish lyrics and questioning NFL’s decision to feature a Spanish-dominant artist .

Department of Homeland Security Position

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed ICE agents will be stationed at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026, to enforce immigration laws “to ensure everyone’s safety and uphold the law”.[7][8][9]

Context: Tour Decisions and Economic Impact

  • Bad Bunny canceled U.S. tour dates in mid-2025, citing concerns over potential ICE presence near concert venues.[6][5]
  • His 31-show residency in Puerto Rico generated an estimated $200 million in local revenue, according to tourism board figures.[2][4][6]
  • The Super Bowl LX halftime show marks his first U.S. performance since the Puerto Rico residency, and the first predominantly Spanish-language set in Super Bowl history.[1][3][4]

Significance for Spanish-Language Music

Bad Bunny’s appearance represents a milestone for reggaetón and Latin music on mainstream U.S. television. Industry analysts anticipate heightened streaming and bilingual audience engagement following the halftime show.[10][11]

Sophia Clarke

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
SEO improvements have been made to the article.
— by Howayda Sayed
Used [translate:] markup for compliant Spanish text.
— by Howayda Sayed
Added verified sources and multi-outlet citations.
— by Howayda Sayed
Replaced title with clear, factual headline.
— by Howayda Sayed
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Elena Voren
SEO improvements have been made to the article.
— by Howayda Sayed
  1. Confirm “Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show” as the official event title.
  2. Verify economic impact figures with official Puerto Rico Tourism Board reports.
  3. Cite primary sources for quotes: NFL press release (Sept 28, 2025) and official DHS statements.
  4. Ensure clarity on Puerto Rican U.S. citizenship status and ICE authority limits per USCIS guidelines.
  5. Use short sentences (under 20 words) and headings without symbols.
  6. Replace social media clips with direct transcripts from broadcast or published interviews.
  7. Include byline and publication date at the top for transparency.
  8. Maintain neutrality and avoid speculative language to align with Google News standards.

FAQ

Why is Bad Bunny facing backlash?

Critics question his suitability for the Super Bowl.

How did Bad Bunny respond to critics?

He encouraged them to learn Spanish.

What concerns were raised about his concerts?

Fears of ICE presence at his events.