Controversy Over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance

In Washington, a Republican lawmaker from Florida is urging a federal investigation into Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance at the Super Bowl, which he described as “dangerous” and “disgusting.” Congressman Randy Fine has accused the Puerto Rican rapper of promoting drug use among children and using explicit language in Spanish during his act.

Fine has requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) look into how NBCUniversal and the NFL allowed such “obscene material” to be broadcast. He stated, “What Americans witnessed with Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl halftime show was despicable and should never be allowed to be shown on television again.”

He emphasized that with over 130 million viewers, including kids, exposed to what he called “grotesque left-wing garbage,” there should be accountability. “In America, laws are not suggestions and must be obeyed no matter what foreign language you speak,” he added.

Pointing to Bad Bunny’s lyrics, Fine highlighted phrases he claims refer to cocaine, stating that terms like “El perico es blanco” and “El tusi es rosita” are direct references to drugs.

He further criticized the “sexually explicit and provocative lyrics” in Bad Bunny’s performance of the song “Safaela,” arguing that such content violates existing FCC rules regarding broadcast decency, which restrict lewd or profane material during the day.

Fine wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr, suggesting that Bad Bunny might think he could evade FCC regulations by performing in a different language while using inappropriate content. He has argued that if it’s found that NBCUniversal and the NFL knowingly aired this objectionable content, penalties should follow, including fines and the potential revocation of broadcast licenses.

“Parents should not be forced to expose their children to sexually explicit language, drug glorification, or vulgar content during an event that is promoted as family-friendly,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that networks have a significant responsibility during high-profile broadcasts.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, received considerable backlash for his visually dynamic performance during the Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. While the performance aimed to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, critics, including President Trump and other conservatives, were quick to condemn it, labeling it “one of the worst shows of all time” and an “insult to the greatness of America,” particularly due to its Spanish lyrics.

In response to the uproar, Bad Bunny deleted his Instagram account. Attempts have been made to reach the FCC, NBCUniversal, and the NFL for comments regarding the situation.