NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes firm stand on Bad Bunny headlining Super Bowl 2026 despite backlash from fans

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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes firm stand on Bad Bunny headlining Super Bowl 2026 despite backlash from fans (Credit: IMAGN)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made a strong statement regarding Bad Bunny's appointment as the headliner of the Super Bowl LX halftime show. The Puerto Rican rapper is one of the most popular artists in the world, but also a polarizing figure for many Americans.

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Amid criticism of the decision, Goodell spoke up to defend the league's call, showing full support for Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, and adding that the league took the process of making the decision very seriously.

Per NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Goodell said:

“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve. ... We’re confident it’s going to be a great show and that he understands the platform that he’s on. I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”
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Ever since Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime show headliner, many said they would boycott the show and even the game altogether. Some requested different artists, more specifically English-speaking ones, and organizations came up with alternatives for fans.

Charlie Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, announced it would offer a different show to compete with the Bad Bunny performance at Levi's Stadium on Feb. 8.

Bad Bunny sends clear message to people criticizing his halftime show

The artist did not mince words when addressing criticism over his participation in the upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime show. The global star joined Saturday Night Live a couple of weeks ago to deliver a speech against his critics.

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“You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show. And I’m very happy, and I think everybody’s happy about it ... Even Fox News!” he said before turning to Spanish.
“Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
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He switched back to English and sent another daring message to those rooting against him:

"And, if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!”

It remains to be seen whether Roger Goodell's words will put an end to the back-and-forth.

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Edited by Orlando Silva
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