Donald Trump has expressed disapproval over the selection for next year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
This much-anticipated performance has featured numerous global icons over the years, including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar, among others.
The event attracts millions of viewers annually, eager to watch the game and enjoy the entertainment, making it one of the most-watched sporting spectacles globally.
As excitement grew regarding the lineup for the show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, scheduled for February, the NFL announced that Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny will headline the major event.
This decision did not sit well with some in political circles, notably former President Donald Trump, who described the choice as ‘crazy’.
In an interview with Newsmax, Trump mentioned he was unfamiliar with the 31-year-old artist, referred to by some as the ‘King of Latin Trap’, despite the artist’s vocal opposition to some of Trump’s policies, especially on immigration.
“I never heard of him, I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it, it’s like, crazy,” Trump commented.
He suggested that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell might be attributing the decision to a ‘promoter they hired,’ stating: “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Bad Bunny, who gained popularity from his collaboration on Cardi B’s hit ‘I Like It’, was born Benito Antonio MartÃnez in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, and has established himself as a leading figure in Latin music.
During his appearance on Saturday Night Live on October 4, Bad Bunny playfully addressed his critics in his opening monologue, noting ‘everyone is happy about it – even Fox News’.
An edited video was shown, humorously compiling statements from anchors to form the sentence: “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and he should be the next president.”
Bad Bunny then expressed gratitude to Latinos and Latinas globally and in the US, saying: “Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
His Super Bowl performance is significant as the artist had previously decided against touring in the US due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerns.
“There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate – I’ve performed there many times,” he mentioned in a Variety interview, emphasizing that his US concerts have been ‘magnificent’.
He suggested that American fans ‘could come’ to Puerto Rico to attend his shows, noting the presence of ‘f**king ICE’ at his concerts in the states as a concern.
“It’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about,” he added.
Confirming these concerns, Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski stated that ICE agents would be present at the event.
“There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and no where else. We will find and deport you,” Lewandowski said.
“I don’t care if it’s a concert for Johnny Smith or Bad Bunny or anybody else. We’re going to do enforcement everywhere.”
Lewandowski also criticized the selection of the artist for the performance, saying: “It’s so shameful they picked someone who seems to hate America.”