Bad Bunny avoids direct mention of ICE at Super Bowl, but ends performance with message against hate

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA: Bad Bunny was the star of Super Bowl LX halftime show. But what received the majority of attention and reaction was his way of conclusion that included a billboard behind him with a powerful message.

The Puerto Rican rapper, just like at the Grammy Awards, did not miss the chance to condemn President Donald Trump and his administration’s way of handling immigration enforcement. Bad Bunny has been vocal against the ICE crackdown, and during the Sunday, February 8, event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, he once again proved that he’s not backing out from his stance.

Bad Bunny shows pride over 'the music of Puerto Rico'

The 31-year-old began his performance with ‘Titi Me Pregunto’ while donning an off-white football jersey. His set also included cameos from Karol G, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B before he segued into ‘Yo Perreo Sola’ and ‘Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR’.

At one point, Bad Bunny even shouted in his mother tongue, “This is the music of Puerto Rico.” 

Further in the performance, Lady Gaga also joined him in a baby blue dress, performing a salsa-inspired rendition of ‘Die With A Smile’.

Bad Bunny sends a message about power of love

However, at the end of the ‘MONACO’ singer’s performance, a billboard was seen behind him that read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love," which was very similar to his speech at the Grammy Awards. 

Bad Bunny also took a moment to shout out every country from the Americas and held up a football with the message, “Together We Are America.” 

At the Grammy Awards held last Sunday, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer had said, "We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens – we're humans. The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that's more powerful than hate is love, so, please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love."

Netizens call Bad Bunny's halftime performance 'one of the worst'

However, his current message quickly drew mixed reactions online.

An X (formerly Twitter) user shared, “Message louder than any tweet love over hate every single time thank you benito.”

But another X user slammed Bad Bunny, writing, “As a Latina first gen-Mexican American, there is nothing I love more than being a patriotic American. That is why I'm boycotting Bad Bunny who apparently hates this country.  We speak English here, I speak Spanish in Mexico.”

“That’s it …. I expected way more wtf …. This was so disappointing and why didn’t he perform I like it ☠️☠️ by this is one of the worst Super Bowl performance ever,” a critic added.

A comment praising the singer was “DARE I SAY BEST HALFTIME SHOW!! Daddy Bad bunny you never disappoint.”

“That billboard was the perfect finale! 🕊️ ‘The only thing more powerful than hate is love.’ Bad Bunny just made history,” a person posted on X.

“Wow, my love for him is just increasing, he’s been such an incredible one with his art. I love what he does. Congratulations to him,” an X user added.

However, one user was so disappointed that they wrote, “Turned off halftime show. Watched turning point. Was much better.”

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