NFL Defends Bad Bunny 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Amid Political Backlash

The NFL's decision to feature Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has sparked considerable backlash, particularly from far-right commentators and MAGA supporters, including President Donald Trump. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL CMO Tim Ellis have defended the choice, emphasizing that with over 200 million fans worldwide, it's impossible to please everyone, and the league aims to stay culturally relevant to its growing young, female, and Latino fan bases. Goodell described Bad Bunny as one of the leading and most popular global entertainers, highlighting that the decision was deliberate and aligned with the NFL's entertainment strategy. Despite criticism due to Bad Bunny's previous avoidance of touring in the mainland U.S. over immigration enforcement concerns, the NFL remains steadfast, seeing the halftime show as a unifying cultural moment. The controversy has even prompted alternative halftime show proposals from rival groups, but NFL leadership remains confident the show will be successful and reflect the league's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This stance reflects a broader NFL marketing approach that goes beyond the field to engage diverse audiences and embrace cultural relevance.