Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson ripped the selection of Bad Bunny as the headliner for the NFL's Super Bowl halftime show in February, calling it a "terrible decision" while suggesting a "role model" like Lee Greenwood would have been better.
Newsweek reached out to the NFL via email Tuesday night for comment.
The NFL's decision to select Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for Super Bowl LX's halftime show has ignited a national debate, particularly among conservative politicians and commentators. The move is viewed as a reflection of shifting cultural dynamics and heightened scrutiny of representation at one of America's most-watched televised events.
The backlash against the 31-year-old rapper and record producer underscores ongoing tensions around identity, immigration, and the role of politics in popular entertainment, especially with the Super Bowl serving as a high-profile platform for American values and cultural narratives. The selection has drawn criticism from multiple conservative figures, highlighting broader conversations on what and who best represents America on such global stages.
On September 29, the NFL announced that Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, would headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
When asked about the choice on Tuesday, Johnson said, "I didn't even know who Bad Bunny was, but it sounds like a terrible decision in my view."
Johnson continued when asked why he doesn't think it was a good decision: "Well, it sounds like he's not someone who appeals to a broader audience. And I think, you know, there's so many eyes on the Super Bowl. A lot of young, impressionable children. And I think, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or role models doing that. Not somebody like this."
Greenwood, 82, is a country music singer with several hits, including "God Bless the U.S.A.," which has been featured prominently in Republican campaign circles for decades.
Bad Bunny has openly criticized President Donald Trump's administration, especially for its policies on Puerto Rico and immigration enforcement.
The selection has reportedly prompted discussions about security and the possible presence of government agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Super Bowl, made explicit by comments from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Trump also reacted this week to the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny, saying in part, "I never heard of him. I don't know who he is, I don't know why they're doing it."
ESPN analyst and former NFL player Ryan Clark, on X this month: "BadBunny is a genius pick for a Super Bowl halftime perform! The viewership just keeps growing,& who cares who is mad? The NFL has its eyes on the international prize,& there's no one bigger. The NFL is the biggest sport in America,but their stars don't shine as bright as F1 & soccer icons.So,what better way to get more people to tap into that Super Bowl than by bringing a star like Bad Bunny into the fold!"
Republican Kari Lake, on X this month: "Bad Bunny for the Halftime Show? The NFL seems tone-deaf in understanding who their audience & customers are. Even if you're not a football fan, the Super Bowl was once a unifying, family-friendly event. Now, it feels like they're prioritizing a radical, divisive agenda."
The Super Bowl LX halftime show will take place in California on February 8, with Bad Bunny headlining despite calls for reconsideration among conservative politicians. The event is expected to draw ongoing discussions about cultural representation, the intersection of politics and sports entertainment, and the NFL's future direction in artist selection for high-profile events.