controversy Surrounds Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl Halftime Performance,DHS Advisor Raises ICE Concerns
The selection of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl LVIII halftime performer has sparked controversy,with a former DHS advisor alleging potential security concerns and questioning the NFL’s motives.Corey Lewandowski, who served as an advisor to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, publicly criticized the choice, citing previous statements made by the artist regarding his reluctance to tour the United States due to fears of encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Lewandowski’s comments stemmed from initial criticism leveled by conservative commentator Ben Johnson, who described Bad Bunny as someone who “hates the United States and ICE” and doesn’t sing in English. Johnson also pointed to Bad Bunny’s support for Kamala Harris.Lewandowski echoed concerns about the NFL becoming overly “woke,” referencing past controversies surrounding Colin Kaepernick’s protests during the national anthem. He argued that Kaepernick’s inability to secure a team was due to business decisions, not discrimination, and contrasted this with the NFL’s choice to feature an artist seemingly critical of the U.S.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently explained his decision to exclude the U.S. from his recent world tour,stating concerns about potential ICE presence at his concerts. He expressed worry that ICE could be “out” during his shows, prompting careful consideration of the risks. According to Johnson, Martínez Ocasio “is very scared” of potential immigration enforcement actions.
Despite these criticisms, Bad Bunny celebrated his Super bowl selection as a historic moment for Latin culture, stating, “It is for those who came before me and ran countless yards so that I could enter and write down a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture and our history.”
Johnson dismissed this sentiment, labeling Bad Bunny a “fraud” due to his Puerto Rican citizenship and U.S. passport.
Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation – the firm overseeing Super Bowl artist selection – defended the choice, stating that Bad Bunny’s contributions to Puerto Rico are “really inspiring” and that the NFL is “honored” to have him perform on the world’s biggest stage.
Bad Bunny previously performed at the Super Bowl in 2020 as a guest artist alongside Shakira and Jennifer López. The current controversy raises questions about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and immigration enforcement, with Lewandowski suggesting the NFL should have chosen an artist who ”unites people and not separate it.”
