The internet lit up this week with wild claims that the NFL had yanked Bad Bunny from the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, fueled by conservative backlash and unverified social media posts. But hold on—those rumors are flat-out false. The league confirmed Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, remains locked in as headliner for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, set for February 8, 2026. Indeed, no official cancellation has come from the NFL, despite the noise.
At the heart of this storm is Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who's been vocal in her disapproval. In a series of fiery statements, Noem slammed the NFL as "so weak" for picking Bad Bunny, a Spanish-language artist known for his pro-immigrant stance and criticism of Trump-era policies. She even vowed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be "all over that place" during the event, enforcing immigration laws with a vengeance. "They won't be able to sleep at night," Noem added, suggesting the league's choice invites trouble. Moreover, her comments echo broader MAGA outrage, with figures like Corey Lewandowski piling on about ICE patrols at the game.
Bad Bunny himself skipped a U.S. tour leg earlier this year over fears of ICE crackdowns, yet he's pushing ahead with the Super Bowl slot. The performer's selection, announced just days ago, highlights his massive global appeal—over 45 million monthly Spotify listeners—and his role in elevating Latin music on big stages. However, critics like Noem frame it as a political slight, tying it to ongoing deportation debates. The NFL, though, hasn't budged, sticking to its entertainment-first approach even as tensions simmer.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Super Bowl performers have stirred controversy; remember the backlash against past acts? Still, the persistence of these cancellation hoaxes on platforms like X shows how quickly misinformation spreads in polarized times. As preparations ramp up, one wonders how Noem's threats might play out on game day.