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Bad Bunny Sparks Super Bowl Culture War
7 Feb
Summary
- Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show selection faced significant Republican criticism.
- He has spoken out against US immigration policy, leading to calls for his deportation.
- This follows a history of controversial Super Bowl halftime performances.
Super Bowl LX's halftime show, featuring global music sensation Bad Bunny, has become the center of a significant culture war. Bad Bunny, the most-streamed artist worldwide, has faced unprecedented criticism due to his vocal stance against US immigration policies, leading some to call for his deportation. This controversy highlights a pattern of politically charged halftime performances, such as Janet Jackson's 2004 incident and Beyoncé's 2016 "Formation" performance.
Republicans have strongly opposed Bad Bunny's selection, with an Alabama senator labeling it the "woke bowl." His performance has prompted a counter-programming event from a conservative organization. Bad Bunny, however, has indicated his performance would focus on unity. He previously used the Grammy Awards stage to denounce US immigration enforcement, stating "ICE out" and emphasizing the humanity of immigrants.
His selection is particularly significant as Puerto Rico is a US territory. Experts note that Bad Bunny's performance, entirely in Spanish, is profoundly political and offers an alternative vision of American identity. The NFL's decision to platform him signals a shift towards embracing diverse voices and broadening its appeal, especially to the Latino community.
