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Super Bowl LX Performer Bad Bunny’s Controversies

February 10, 2026
Aryan Kondekar

In the 2026 Super Bowl, also known as Super Bowl LX, the halftime show became a topic of U.S. political debate. This year's main performer was Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny. Traditionally, Super Bowl performances focus on entertainment, but this year, the halftime show has sparked controversy.

The emergence of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement has seen a derogatory view toward immigration and race emerge in the US. Super Bowl critics associated with MAGA argue that the largest televised event in the U.S. should not feature an artist who has spoken against U.S. immigration and customs enforcement (ICE). On Feb. 1, during the Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny criticized ICE, stating, “We’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” This statement prompted MAGA and other conservative voices to respond quickly with anger.

Conservative groups like Turning Point USA went as far as to announce their own event, “The All-American Halftime Show.” This new show highlights American artists like Kid Rock to showcase traditional American values.

Despite the backlash against Bad Bunny's performance, public opinions are mixed. Bad Bunny's appearance symbolizes cultural expression for the Latino and Hispanic community. Gold Olympic Medalist Monica Puig highlighted Puerto Rican pride on the global stage like Bad Bunny. Other artists, such as Cardi B, have praised Bad Bunny’s stage presence and his views on issues like immigration.

There is also significant political support for Bad Bunny. Recent polls by Statista show that Democrats largely backed his performance. Even prominent Democratic officials, such as Ruben Gallego, are defending this cultural display and countering conservative views.

Looking at the bigger picture, the debate over Bad Bunny’s performance touches on more than just an artist's stance against ICE; it highlights a national crisis surrounding cultural identity. As America diversifies, the Latino community is increasingly influential. This shift is creating a divide in the U.S., leading to rising tensions between those who welcome diversity and those who oppose it. In Bad Bunny's case, he faces discrimination on prominent public stages due to his background, which now intersects with political issues. This dynamic is turning public events into a battleground over cultural identity and immigration in the U.S.