On Friday, former ESPN host Sage Steele addressed some concerns regarding Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LX, clarifying that his origin as a Puerto Rican is not the real issue.
During her segment on “Faulkner Focus” with Harris Faulkner, Steele expressed her belief that the main problem lies in what she perceives as Bad Bunny’s negative attitude since being named the headliner.
Steele elaborated, saying, “This isn’t about being an American or not. Bad Bunny is an American too; it’s more about the hate-driven approach as an artist.” She pointed out that other international acts, like U2, performed positively after 9/11, noting that Bad Bunny’s actions reflect a different narrative.
She sharply criticized his past comments indicating a refusal to speak English, suggesting, “I think that worries people. He seems to convey disdain, yet here he is performing in the U.S.”
Bad Bunny had suggested earlier that American fans should learn Spanish before enjoying his music, but appeared to soften his stance in a recent interview.
Steele acknowledged the alternative halftime show offered by Turning Point USA, which gives fans who may not agree with Bad Bunny’s views an option. “America thrives on alternatives,” she noted, appreciating what she called a needed initiative.
However, she mentioned that despite these alternatives, there’s a significant audience interested in Bad Bunny’s performance, especially given the language barrier and associated tensions around the artist’s previous comments.
She remarked on the NFL’s strategy, explaining, “This is a business choice. The NFL is expanding globally, and they want to engage with more countries.” Steele concluded that while there are mixed feelings among fans and players, ultimately, business decisions reign supreme in the NFL’s direction.
