Bad Bunny delivered a politically charged performance during the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi's Stadium in California, subtly targeting former US President Donald Trump. The controversy began when Trump publicly criticised the choice of Bad Bunny and Green Day as performers, calling it "terrible" and claiming it sowed hatred. In response, Trump declined to attend the Super Bowl, citing distance as a reason for his absence.
Trump's Criticism and Boycott
In an interview with the New York Post, President Trump expressed strong disapproval of Bad Bunny and Green Day's involvement in the halftime show. He stated, "I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible." This criticism led to Trump's decision to snub the event, which set the stage for Bad Bunny's response during his performance.
Bad Bunny's Subtle Retort
During the halftime show, Bad Bunny incorporated elements from his Grammy Awards speech into the performance. A small television screen displayed a family scene, including a young boy, while playing a clip from the speech. In the clip, Bad Bunny said, "Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out." This comment directly referenced US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who have been conducting raids across America in recent weeks.
Bad Bunny then appeared on stage and handed his Grammy award to the young boy, symbolising a passing of the torch to the next generation. This gesture emphasised themes of youth empowerment and resistance against controversial immigration policies.
Powerful Closing Message
The halftime show concluded with a banner onscreen that read, "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." As the message displayed, Bad Bunny marched with various flags representing the immigrant population in the United States, reinforcing his support for immigrant communities and contrasting with Trump's hardline stance on immigration.
Broader Context and Reactions
The performance sparked widespread discussion, as Bad Bunny used the global platform of the Super Bowl to address political issues. His actions highlighted the ongoing tensions between entertainment figures and political leaders over social policies. The show not only entertained millions but also served as a statement on immigration and unity, challenging the divisive rhetoric often associated with the Trump administration.
This incident underscores how major cultural events like the Super Bowl can become arenas for political expression, blending sports, music, and activism in ways that resonate with audiences worldwide.
