Singer and rapper Bad Bunny has responded to critics questioning his selection as the headliner for this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, dismissing those who disagreed with the decision due to his performances being in Spanish.
The Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, hosted Saturday Night Live last weekend, where he said he was “excited” to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl in Santa Clara this February.
“I’m really excited to be doing the Super Bowl, I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy,” he said during the show’s monologue.
He then started speaking in Spanish, adding, “Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors.”
“It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
Switching back to English, he teased non-Spanish speakers about the upcoming show.
“If you didn’t understand what I just said. You have four months to learn,” he mockingly said.
The SNL segment also included edited clips made to look like Fox News personalities were saying, “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and he should be the next president.”
Bad Bunny’s selection has drawn criticism from some commentators, particularly after he previously declined to tour in the United States, citing concerns that federal agents might attend his concerts.
The Trump administration has stated that ICE and other federal agents will be present at the Super Bowl. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that DHS will oversee safety at the event.
“The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for keeping it safe,” she said. “So I have the responsibility for making sure everybody goes to the Super Bowl, has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave, and that’s what America is about.”
