The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently looked into Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance after some Republican lawmakers raised concerns. They worried that the show, which was entirely in Spanish, might breach decency regulations.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez reviewed Spanish transcripts from Comcast’s NBC. She said, “I found no violation of our rules and no basis for this investigation.”
The backlash mostly came from Republican politicians. Florida Rep. Randy Fine took to X to call Bad Bunny’s performance “illegal.” He shared translated lyrics from one of Bad Bunny’s songs, claiming if those had aired in English, the broadcast would have faced severe penalties.
Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles echoed Fine’s sentiments, arguing that the lyrics celebrated immoral behavior. Despite the uproar, some reports indicated that the FCC wouldn’t pursue the issue further unless new evidence emerged.
Bad Bunny made history during the halftime show, being the first artist to perform entirely in Spanish. During the show, he received a ball with the phrase, “Together, we are America.” A message flashed on screen: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
This performance was met with mixed reactions, particularly from conservatives. Former President Trump criticized it, claiming children wouldn’t understand what was being said and found the performance inappropriate.
In response to the controversy, some conservative groups organized their own halftime show featuring artists like Kid Rock and Brantley Gilbert. This split reaction highlights ongoing divisions in how entertainment is viewed, especially when it involves cultural representation.
Interestingly, this event reflects broader trends in media and culture. According to recent statistics, around 20% of TV viewers are now bilingual, showing a growing acceptance of diverse languages in mainstream media. The response to Bad Bunny’s performance signifies a shift in the cultural landscape, where artists from diverse backgrounds are increasingly making their mark.
For more about regulatory actions and the evolution of media standards, you can read the FCC’s official guidelines here.
