Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has sparked uproar among Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators, who continue to express outrage over the Puerto Rican artist’s Spanish-language performance. Some critics have vociferously called for investigations into the NFL and NBCUniversal, claiming that the halftime show was indecent and inappropriate for family viewing.
The controversy began when Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to the House Committee on Energy Commissions, seeking a formal inquiry regarding the show. He described the performance as “pure smut” and criticized Bad Bunny’s explicit lyrics and dance moves. Ogles claimed that the show, broadcasted on national television, portrayed graphic content that he deemed unsuitable for children.
Representative Randy Fine (R-Fla.) also joined the fray, urging the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to take action against the halftime performance, which he characterized as illegal. He argued that if the lyrics were in English, the broadcast would likely have faced immediate termination and significant fines. Fine expressed his belief that all performers, including Puerto Ricans, should adhere to the same standards.
Similar rhetoric has been seen from other GOP lawmakers, with Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) mentioning concerns about the content, although he admitted to not being fluent in Spanish. His remarks echoed a recurring theme in conservative responses to Super Bowl performances, with past halftime shows by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna also facing backlash and complaints.
The discourse around Bad Bunny’s performance fits within a broader pattern of conservative pushback against perceived vulgarity in music performances, particularly during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Historical complaints have often targeted artists regardless of gender or genre, pointing to a continuous culture war over what constitutes acceptable entertainment.
Ironically, while some Republicans have decried Bad Bunny’s show for its Spanish lyrics, others have grappled with understanding President Trump, as noted by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who highlighted the irony in the criticism.
Despite the ongoing backlash, Bad Bunny’s halftime show has achieved notable ratings, ranking as the fourth most-watched in halftime history. The performance received generally positive reviews both domestically and internationally, suggesting that while polarization exists, a significant audience embraced the cultural significance of the event.
As discussions continue, one can reflect on the importance of embracing diverse expressions in entertainment, ultimately recognizing that art can provoke a range of sentiments, and in this case, it undeniably brought people together—whether in critique or celebration.