The NFL’s decision to tap Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has ignited a sharp cultural and political debate online. Within hours of the announcement, conservative voices questioned whether the league was pushing a “woke” agenda. In contrast, others defended the artist’s record as one of the cleanest in the entertainment industry.
“Will you watch the woke NFL halftime show with a guy that hates America and wears a dress or the new family, freedom and faith oriented Turning Point halftime show during the Super Bowl?”
Will you watch the woke NFL halftime show with a guy that hates America and wears a dress or the new family, freedom and faith oriented Turning Point halftime show during the Super Bowl?@TPUSA @tylerbowyer pic.twitter.com/FuFwp5sHnF
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) October 16, 2025
NFL’s Halftime Choice Splits Fans Along Political Lines
Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Prop Bets Explode After Controversial Selection
Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Prop Bets Explode After Controversial Selection (Screenshot Via-ibb.co.com)
The NFL’s announcement of Bad Bunny as next year’s halftime performer quickly polarized fans. The Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like“Tití Me Preguntó” and“Monaco,” has become both a symbol of global success and political controversy. His advocacy for Puerto Rican identity, LGBTQIA+ rights, and women’s empowerment has earned him praise from progressives and criticism from conservative circles.
Right-wing commentatorBenny Johnsonlabeled him a “massive Trump hater” and “anti-ICE activist,” suggesting his Spanish-language performances represent “cultural separation” from traditional American values. Meanwhile,Tomi Lahren added that he “isn’t an American artist,” a claim later corrected by critics noting that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.
The backlash expanded when Hall of FamerEric Dickerson called the NFL “ultra corrupt” and “more crooked than the federal government,” saying, “If you don’t like the United States, get your ass out of here, don’t come over here.” His comments, aired via TMZ, echoed sentiments from fans who see the league’s entertainment picks as political statements rather than sports celebrations.
Still, Bad Bunny’s supporters point to his spotless personal record.
Asone viral postsummarized,“Bad Bunny hasn’t had major scandals of any sort; he has no arrest record; he’s never made news for being intoxicated or under the influence… nor is he known for provocative social media posts or proclamations.”
With over 68 billion Spotify streams, the Puerto Rican star ranks among the most-streamed artists in history. His 2022 albumUn Verano Sin Ti remains the platform’s most-played album ever.
The reaction from fans has been fierce and divided.One useron X fumed,“Nope. Boycott Super Bowl. That will show them we’re not taking their crap anymore.”
Another posted,“No one wants this.”
Yetothersfired back at the outrage.“I will watch the halftime show for the NFL. I’m not going to fake church because you all don’t like Spanish music,” wrote one user defending the league’s choice.
For some, the debate is less about music and more about the ongoing politicization of American sports.
Asone critic put it bluntly:“No. I didn’t watch any of this fable after watching enough clips to know it was all fake.”
As the controversy grows, the NFL faces a stark cultural divide between those calling the Super Bowl halftime show “woke entertainment” and others celebrating it as a turning point toward global inclusivity.