Celebrities Clash Over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance
MIAMI, Fla. — The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, ignited a firestorm of reactions from celebrities and public figures across the political and cultural spectrum. The performance, which showcased Bad Bunny’s signature blend of Latin rhythms and high-energy choreography, drew both enthusiastic praise and sharp criticism, underscoring the ongoing cultural debates surrounding the NFL’s marquee event.
Among the most vocal supporters was conservative commentator Meghan McCain, who took to Twitter to express her genuine appreciation for the show. “I’m sorry but I just genuinely question your taste level if you didn’t enjoy the Bad Bunny halftime show,” McCain tweeted, emphasizing that not every cultural moment needs to be politicized. Her sentiment was echoed by country singer Kacey Musgraves, who said the performance made her feel “more proudly American than anything Kid Rock has ever done,” highlighting the evolving nature of American patriotism in popular culture.
On the other hand, critics like actor Kevin Sorbo, known for his conservative views, favored the alternative halftime show presented by Turning Point USA, suggesting it had “slightly better messaging.” Sorbo’s preference reflects a faction of viewers who felt the NFL’s choice to feature Bad Bunny was a departure from traditional American football entertainment.
Jake Paul, the social media personality, initially urged fans to boycott the halftime show, framing it as a protest against corporate control over cultural events. However, he later walked back parts of his criticism, clarifying that his comments about Bad Bunny’s values were misunderstood and emphasizing his support for Puerto Rico and its people. “I wasn’t calling anyone a ‘fake citizen’ because they’re from Puerto Rico,” Paul explained, underscoring the complexities of public discourse in the digital age.
Former Real Housewife Jill Zarin did not hold back, delivering a scathing review that targeted nearly every aspect of the performance and even accused Lady Gaga, who made a surprise appearance, of having undergone a facelift. Meanwhile, rapper Doechii celebrated the show as “history,” applauding Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking presence on such a prominent stage.
Sports figures also weighed in, with former NFL quarterback Brett Favre admitting unfamiliarity with Bad Bunny’s music and choosing instead to watch the Turning Point USA halftime show featuring Lee Brice and Kid Rock. In contrast, actor Michael Rapaport praised Bad Bunny’s performance, stating he would “watch Bad Bunny on a loop for 3 weeks straight rather than ever watch Kid Rock.”
Frank Stallone, brother of Sylvester Stallone, harshly criticized the show on Instagram, calling it “worst than dreadful” and “an insult to American football,” a sentiment that resonated with some fans who view the halftime show as a reflection of traditional American values.
Even former President Donald Trump weighed in via his social media platform, expressing his disdain for the performance. British broadcaster Piers Morgan countered Trump’s criticism, calling Bad Bunny’s show “amazing” and “the best in Super Bowl history,” while highlighting that Spanish is the first language for over 50 million Americans, a fact supported by data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The polarized reactions to Bad Bunny’s halftime show reflect broader cultural conversations about identity, politics, and entertainment in America. The NFL, which has faced scrutiny over its halftime show selections in recent years, continues to navigate the challenge of appealing to a diverse and divided audience.
For more information on the NFL’s entertainment policies and the cultural impact of the Super Bowl halftime show, visit the National Football League’s official site. Additionally, insights into the demographic shifts influencing American culture can be found through the U.S. Census Bureau’s language use statistics and the National Endowment for the Arts, which tracks trends in cultural engagement.
As the debate continues, it remains clear that the Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a musical performance—it is a cultural flashpoint that reflects the complexities and contradictions of contemporary America.
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