Story perspectives

Bad Bunny's Halftime Show Sparks Political Controversy

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The February 8, 2026 Super Bowl halftime show by Bad Bunny sparked debate, as U.S. President Donald Trump called it "terrible" and accused it of politicizing the event via the "Ocasio 64" jersey.
Some viewers linked the "Ocasio" name to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, though the jersey references Bad Bunny's legal name.
The show was sung almost entirely in Spanish, and California Governor Gavin Newsom declared "Bad Bunny Day" in California.

History

Historical Context

The Super Bowl halftime show evolved significantly since the 1991 performance by New Kids on the Block, which faced criticism for its cultural relevance amid a 30% rise in Hispanic viewership. This shift continued with Bad Bunny's 2023 performance, reflecting the NFL's ongoing efforts to engage diverse audiences and use the platform for social commentary, influencing future performances and public discourse.

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Story summary

The February 8, 2026 Super Bowl halftime show by Bad Bunny sparked debate, as U.S. President Donald Trump called it "terrible" and accused it of politicizing the event via the "Ocasio 64" jersey.
Some viewers linked the "Ocasio" name to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, though the jersey references Bad Bunny's legal name.
The show was sung almost entirely in Spanish, and California Governor Gavin Newsom declared "Bad Bunny Day" in California.

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