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 is a senior international journalist with nine years of experience covering global politics, human rights, and international diplomacy.
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