Three months after Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, viewer backlash persists with over 2,000 complaints filed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Critics labeled the show as excessively sexualized during the high-profile event at Levi’s Stadium near San Francisco, which attracted 128 million viewers in February.
FCC Complaints Detail Viewer Outrage
Complainants expressed strong disapproval of the performance’s explicit elements. One viewer stated they were “forced to see a man’s penis and balls” during the set. A retired military member called it “a slap in the face” to those who served the United States, citing the use of Spanish lyrics over English. Another criticized the content, noting the lyrics focused on “sex and drugs” and deemed them “reprehensible,” even in Spanish.
Controversial Selection and Alternative Event
Bad Bunny’s selection as headliner sparked debate beforehand, partly due to his vocal opposition to policies like those of the ICE agency under former President Trump. In response, Turning Point USA organized a rival halftime show featuring Kid Rock and Brantley Gilbert, which some viewers preferred.
Performance Highlights and Message
The 13-minute show transformed the field into a sugarcane plantation, complete with domino players, a Latino wedding scene, and utility poles for dramatic climbs. Bad Bunny, joined by Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal, Ricky Martin, Jessica Alba, Karol G, and Cardi B, listed North and South American countries while holding a football inscribed with “Together, we are America.” The stadium jumbotron displayed: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
This took place at Super Bowl LX, where the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.
President Trump’s Criticism
President Trump condemned the performance on Truth Social, stating: “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World. It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence. This ‘Show’ is just a ‘slap in the face’ to our Country, which is setting new standards and records every single day—including the Best Stock Market and 401(k)s in History! There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD.”
