The NFL has firmly denied any plans to cancel Bad Bunny's headline performance for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, even as online rumors and conservative backlash swirl around the Puerto Rican superstar. Announced just days ago on September 29, 2025, the selection sparked immediate controversy, particularly from right-wing commentators who questioned the artist's fit for America's biggest sporting event. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will take the stage in Inglewood, California, next February, promising a show that celebrates Latin culture amid a polarized political climate.
At the center of the uproar is conservative pundit Tomi Lahren, who unleashed a tirade on social media, decrying the choice as the NFL turning its back on American audiences. "Why would an American audience want to watch a halftime show performed mostly in a language we don’t even speak?" Lahren posted, drawing sharp criticism for overlooking Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory. Her comments quickly backfired, with her own followers and online detractors mocking the apparent ignorance—one viral response read, "Tomi, I’m not going to sugarcoat this. You got humiliated." Indeed, the backlash highlighted deeper tensions, as Bad Bunny has openly supported immigrant rights and opposed Donald Trump in the 2024 election, making him a target for MAGA influencers.
However, rumors of cancellation appear to stem from fabricated stories, including false claims that NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Kansas City Chiefs petitioned to replace him, or that Lions coach Dan Campbell slammed the decision. Fact-checks have swiftly debunked these, confirming no such actions took place. Moreover, whispers of ICE agents patrolling the event—fueled by Trump ally Corey Lewandowski's statements—add a chilling political layer, but the league insists the performance is locked in. The NFL, partnering with Jay-Z's Roc Nation for the show, emphasized inclusivity in its announcement, noting Bad Bunny's global appeal with over 45 billion Spotify streams.
Still, the episode underscores how sports and politics increasingly collide, leaving fans to wonder if cultural representation will continue to provoke such divides in the years ahead.