NFL names Bad Bunny as Super Bowl halftime star
The NFL has just dropped some major news: Bad Bunny, who hails from Puerto Rico and stands as an ally in LGBTQ+ circles, will be headlining February's Super Bowl halftime show. This announcement has set off a flurry among political figures, sparking reactions across conservative circles.
How MAGA supporters reacted
As soon as Sunday rolled around, MAGA supporters were quick on social media, expressing their displeasure. Conservative voice Greg Price took it a step further by sharing a misleading AI-generated TikTok video. The video falsely echoed a claim that Bad Bunny, a Grammy winner, had sworn off performing in America due fears related ICE raids.
Bad Bunny on playing in America
In a chat with i-D magazine, Bad Bunny touched on skipping U.S. stops during this tour. He said, "Honestly, yes. There were many reasons why I didn't show up in U.S., and none were outta hate—I've done plenty shows there. They've always been great. Connecting with Latinos in America has been a joy. But seriously—like, ICE could be outside my gig. It was something we worried about a lot." Instead, he chose a 30-show run in Puerto Rico, which, as NPR put it, ended up being a musical and economic win.
Conservative uproar over Bad Bunny's halftime gig
Bad Bunny may not label himself LGBTQ+, but his style and support have often made him a target. Him headlining this iconic show led critics claiming he's "promoting demonic activity" and "queerbaiting." Anti-LGBTQ+ activist Robby Starbuck raised alarms about his Spanish tunes, fearing they might push a "woke" agenda. Benny Johnson chimed in, calling him a "massive Trump hating" critic due, in part, his stance on ICE.
Fox News personalities and right-wing pundits didn't hold back either. Jimmy Failla suggested conservatives shouldn't get riled about a headline act who "doesn't speak English," while Jason Whitlock from Blaze Media took jabs at Bad Bunny's identity and style.
Bad Bunny's stand on advocacy and art
As a vocal supporter, Bad Bunny's been using his spotlight on vital issues like transgender violence. Remember when he wore that message spotlighting Alexa Negrón Luciano's murder on The Tonight Show? Or when he rocked drag in "Yo Perreo Sola," challenging gender norms and championing gender fluidity? While some call it "queerbaiting," he stays firm that his sexuality's his own business, although he leans heterosexual. His daring fashion and social stances echo his advocacy.
Don't buy those claims about him not knowing English. In Vogue, he mentioned he's been picking it up, but prefers keeping it off-camera and personal.
Countdown excitement: Super Bowl and Bad Bunny
The Super Bowl's nearing, and fans are thrilled about Bad Bunny taking this massive stage. Despite noise from conservatives, neither he nor NFL have addressed it. But, he did recently tweet, "I've been thinking about it these days, and after discussing it with my team, I think I'll do just one date in United States." Clearly, he's weighing his moves carefully amid today's political vibes.
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