The NFL is once again at the center of a cultural flashpoint - this time over its choice for the Super Bowl LVIII halftime performer: global music sensation Bad Bunny. A new 75-second teaser, released on the league’s official social channels, featured the Puerto Rican artist dancing to his track “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” with the caption “El 8 de febrero, el mundo bailará” - “On February 8, the world will dance.”
That date, of course, marks Super Bowl Sunday, when the football world will turn its attention to San Francisco. But while the teaser was meant to build anticipation for the Apple Music Halftime Show, it also sparked a wave of backlash - with some fans and political figures openly criticizing the decision.
Former President Donald Trump was among the most vocal, calling the move “crazy” and “absolutely ridiculous” in comments to Newsmax. “I’ve never heard of him,” Trump said.
“I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it.”
His remarks quickly became a lightning rod, drawing both support and criticism online.
Social media lit up in the hours following the teaser’s release. Some fans expressed frustration, calling the NFL “tone deaf” and vowing to skip the halftime show altogether.
Others joked about using the time for a “bathroom break.” It’s not the first time a Super Bowl halftime show has stirred debate, but this one is clearly tapping into deeper cultural and political currents.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, however, has stood firmly behind the decision. Back in November, during league meetings, he explained that Bad Bunny was chosen for his massive global appeal.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular artists in the world,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to achieve.”
The halftime show is produced in partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which has played a key role in shaping the NFL’s recent entertainment direction. Jay-Z himself responded to the criticism last year with a pointed message: “Don’t let them fool you,” though he chose not to elaborate further.
Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally, took things a step further, calling the choice “shameful” and accusing Bad Bunny of harboring anti-American sentiments. He also noted that ICE agents would be present in San Francisco during Super Bowl week, stating, “There is nowhere you can provide safe haven.”
Bad Bunny, for his part, hasn’t shied away from the controversy. While hosting Saturday Night Live in October, he poked fun at the backlash.
“I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News,” he joked, before switching to Spanish and addressing Latino fans directly. “It’s a win for all of us,” he said.
“No one will ever erase our contribution in this country.”
That moment - both humorous and heartfelt - captured the essence of what this halftime show seems to represent: more than just a performance, it’s a cultural statement. And whether fans love it or loathe it, the NFL isn’t backing down. The league has not issued any further response following the teaser’s release, but all signs point to the show going ahead as planned.
So come February 8, whether you’re dancing in your living room or heading to the kitchen for snacks, Bad Bunny will take center stage in one of the most-watched events on the planet. And like it or not, the world will be watching.