The announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, has sparked widespread outrage, with many arguing that not a single person wants the Puerto Rican reggaeton star to perform. Critics, particularly from conservative circles, have taken to social media platforms like X to voice their disapproval, citing Bad Bunny’s vocal criticism of President Donald Trump and his decision to skip U.S. tour dates due to concerns over ICE raids as reasons for their discontent. Posts on X describe the selection as a “slap in the face” to American values, with some claiming his Spanish-language performances and political stances make him an unsuitable choice for such a prominent cultural stage. The backlash, amplified by MAGA supporters, highlights a deep divide, with detractors arguing that the NFL and Roc Nation should have chosen an artist who aligns more closely with what they perceive as mainstream American interests.

The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection has taken a darker turn with speculation linking it to a recent shooting and fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28, 2025. The attacker, Thomas Jacob Sanford, an Iraq War veteran with Trump memorabilia at his home, drove his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire, and set the building ablaze, killing four people. While authorities have not confirmed a motive, some social media posts on X have suggested, without evidence, that the attack might have been a violent response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl announcement, given the shooter’s apparent far-right leanings and the timing of the event. This theory, though unverified, has fueled a narrative that the selection of a politically outspoken artist like Bad Bunny could inflame tensions, raising concerns about cultural representation and its potential to incite unrest.

In light of these events, calls to replace Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer have intensified, with critics arguing that his selection risks further violence in an already polarized climate. Commentators on X and conservative outlets warn that his performance could alienate a significant portion of the Super Bowl’s 100 million-plus viewers, potentially escalating political and cultural divides. They urge the NFL and Roc Nation to reconsider their choice, suggesting a less controversial artist to avoid inflaming tensions. However, supporters of Bad Bunny counter that his selection celebrates Latin culture and global musical influence, accusing detractors of xenophobia. With no direct evidence linking the Michigan church attack to Bad Bunny’s performance, the debate remains speculative but heated, underscoring the challenges of navigating cultural representation in a divided nation.