Puerto Rican global music phenomenon Bad Bunny is reportedly preparing to test the limits of his MAGA critics as he embraces controversy for his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show performance. The artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will take to the stage at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco next month for the prestigious end-of-season finale, despite facing significant opposition from conservative circles.
Political Backlash Fuels Artistic Fire
President Donald Trump has been among the most vocal critics of the decision to allow Bad Bunny to perform at Super Bowl LX, leading backlash from MAGA-leaning NFL fans and conservative commentators. This opposition stems largely from the artist's public criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies. However, rather than being deterred by this outrage, Bad Bunny appears to be using it as creative fuel.
According to a report from RadarOnline.com, the acclaimed rapper intends to honour the queer community by wearing a dress during his performance on February 8th. A stylist involved in costume fittings for the show reportedly claimed that Bad Bunny "loves controversy" and "lives to push envelopes." The source stated definitively: "He is 100 percent going to wear a dress. A political thunderbolt disguised as couture."
No Intention of Playing Safe
Another inside source told the outlet that the artist has no intention of playing it safe during his performance, adding ominously that "the NFL has no idea what's coming. Zero." The backlash appears to have had little effect on Bad Bunny's plans, with another friend commenting: "Let them complain. The dress is already being sewn."
The Daily Mail has reached out to Bad Bunny's representatives for comment regarding these reports. His initial unveiling as the halftime act had already sparked outrage among MAGA commentators, who threatened to boycott the event due to his public criticism of Trump's immigration policies.
Trump's Dismissive Comments
The Puerto Rican artist, who recently refused to tour in the United States over concerns that his fans might be targeted by ICE agents, performs the majority of his songs in Spanish. Trump condemned the NFL's decision back in October, saying about Bad Bunny's upcoming halftime show: "I never heard of him, I don't know who he is, I don't know why they're doing it, it's like, crazy." He added emphatically: "I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
Previous Trolling of Critics
Back in October, Bad Bunny trolled his critics while hosting "Saturday Night Live," addressing the controversy with characteristic humour. "You might not know this but I'm doing the Super Bowl halftime show and I'm very happy and I think everyone is happy about it - even Fox News," Bad Bunny said during his monologue.
A heavily-edited clip then played, stitching together comments from various Fox anchors and pundits to make them appear to say: "Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and he should be the next president." The rapper continued: "Thank you. Wow, thank you. But really, I am very excited to be doing the Super Bowl and I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy."
Spanish-Language Statement of Purpose
Bad Bunny then spoke in Spanish for several seconds before finishing his monologue by saying: "If you did not understand what I just said... you have four months to learn!" In the Spanish portion of his address, the artist took another shot at his critics while thanking those who paved the way for him.
"Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors," he said. "It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it."
This upcoming performance represents not just a musical milestone for Bad Bunny, but a cultural statement that promises to challenge political and social norms during one of America's most-watched television events.
