The reverberations from Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl L halftime show continue to be felt, extending beyond celebratory reactions to spark a surprisingly vocal backlash. While millions lauded the performance as a landmark moment for Latin culture, a prominent Argentine journalist ignited controversy with sharply critical commentary, adding another layer to an already complex conversation.
Tomás Dente, host of the television program Entrometidos on Net TV, didn’t limit his critique to the musical performance itself. He raised questions about the political undertones he perceived within the show’s production, alleging connections to figures associated with the Venezuelan Chavismo movement. Dente, known for his often-provocative opinions on entertainment and politics, suggested that the financial backing of the performance was tied to individuals with ties to the former Venezuelan government, creating what he framed as a contradiction in the broader narrative of democratic values in Latin America.
Dente’s comments, reported widely in Argentinian media, have ignited debate online. He also expressed disagreement with the inclusive cultural representation of the performance, specifically questioning the inclusion of Argentina within a broader Latin American identity. This sentiment resonated with some online, with some users arguing that their European ancestry distances them from a unified Latin American identity.
The criticism from Dente joins that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly denounced the halftime show as inappropriate for a family audience. , Trump posted on his social media platform, calling the performance “an affront to the Greatness of America” and questioning the use of Spanish. He described the show as “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER!”
Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny’s performance was a significant cultural moment. The show, featuring hits like “Tití Me Preguntó” and surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, was performed almost entirely in Spanish and included messages of unity, such as “God Bless America” and “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” The New York Times described the performance as a “kaleidoscopic blast of merriment” that included a real wedding.
The reaction from ESPN Deportes reporter John Sutcliffe offered a stark contrast to the negativity. Following the performance on , Sutcliffe became visibly emotional on air, addressing Spanish-speaking viewers and urging them to feel “proud” that Bad Bunny had delivered his message on such a large stage. “If you are in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, wherever, it’s OK to have a tear in your eye and feel proud that Benito sang in Spanish at America’s biggest celebration,” he said, according to a translation by The Daily Beast.
The selection of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl L halftime performer was itself a point of contention leading up to the event. Conservative media outlets and Republican officials criticized the NFL for choosing the first primarily Spanish-language solo artist to headline the show. In response, Turning Point USA organized an alternative “All-American Halftime Show,” framed as a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom.”
The controversy highlights a broader tension surrounding representation and cultural identity in mainstream American entertainment. Bad Bunny has been a vocal critic of former President Trump’s immigration policies, and his willingness to use his platform to address social and political issues has made him a polarizing figure. His declaration of “ICE out” while accepting an award at the Grammys just days before the Super Bowl further fueled the debate.
Beyond the political and cultural arguments, the Super Bowl performance delivered significant viewership numbers. Nielsen data indicates that the show attracted 128.2 million viewers, making it the fourth most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history. The performance also generated substantial engagement on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, becoming a global trending topic.
The debate surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance is unlikely to subside quickly. It underscores the power of music to transcend language barriers and cultural boundaries, while simultaneously exposing deep-seated divisions and sensitivities surrounding identity, politics, and representation. The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, prompting a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of American culture and the increasing influence of Latin voices.
As of , Bad Bunny has not publicly responded to the criticisms leveled by Dente or Trump.
