News Summary
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the decision to keep Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX despite criticism from former President Trump and others. The event, set for February 8, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium, is expected to showcase the artist’s global appeal. Bad Bunny, known for his Spanish-language music and political activism, has garnered both support and controversy surrounding his selection. In light of the backlash, Goodell remains confident in Bad Bunny’s ability to deliver a unifying performance during the major sporting event.
Santa Clara, California – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the league will retain Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX despite criticism directed toward the decision, including remarks from former President Donald Trump. The highly anticipated event is scheduled for February 8, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium.
Goodell addressed the ongoing controversy at a news conference following the NFL’s fall meeting, confirming plans to proceed with the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist as the entertainer for the halftime show. Bad Bunny’s selection has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Trump, who has publicly dismissed the decision as “crazy and absolutely ridiculous.” Trump also stated that he had “never heard of” the artist.
The Commissioner defended the decision, emphasizing that the choice of any artist for the Super Bowl is often met with some measure of criticism, given the event’s vast audience. He indicated that Bad Bunny’s performance is expected to resonate with fans and emphasized the artist’s global appeal and popularity, reinforcing the notion that he is one of the leading entertainers worldwide. Goodell expressed confidence that Bad Bunny will deliver “a great show” that embodies a spirit of unity.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is known for performing primarily in Spanish. His political activism has also been in the spotlight, particularly his vocal opposition to Trump and related policies. Following a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has remained engaged with Latino communities, even choosing to stay away from the mainland U.S. over concerns about deportation risks for Latinos.
The choice of Bad Bunny has ignited a petition in Virginia seeking to replace him with country artist George Strait, which has garnered more than 71,000 signatures. However, supporters of Bad Bunny, including notable public figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, have voiced their support, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the event’s entertainment lineup.
In response to the negative feedback, Bad Bunny took to the stage during a recent hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live,” encouraging his critics to learn Spanish before the performance. This move garnered attention and underscored the cultural significance of his music and performance style.
Goodell also addressed other matters discussed during the league’s fall meeting, which included updates on replay review protocols, the lengths of games, and ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the players’ union. He noted that discussions surrounding a potential 18-game regular season will be postponed until the NFL Players Association appoints a permanent executive director.
Looking ahead, the NFL is actively engaged in selecting host sites for the Super Bowl for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, with announcements expected next year. The upcoming Super Bowl LX is anticipated to be a significant event, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing dialogue surrounding diversity in sports and entertainment.
As the date for Super Bowl LX approaches, it remains uncertain whether former President Trump will attend the event, particularly given his history of being present at major sporting events during his presidency.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Bay Area
- Wikipedia: Super Bowl
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Google Search: Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show
- The Spun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Super Bowl
- San Jose Spotlight
- Google News: Bad Bunny Halftime Show
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
