Investigation Clears Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show of Any Rule Violations
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has been cleared of any rule violations following an investigation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The scrutiny stemmed from complaints made by several Republican congressmen, including Florida’s Randy Fine, who claimed that the performance breached broadcast decency standards.
Background of the Investigation
Congressman Fine expressed his discontent in a letter addressed to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. He referred to the show as “despicable,” insisting that all performers, regardless of the language, must adhere to U.S. laws. His criticism specifically targeted the lyric “el perico es blanco,” from Bad Bunny’s song “NUEVAYoL,” which alludes to cocaine.
In response to these concerns, the FCC examined Bad Bunny’s performance. Notably, songs such as “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Monaco,” and “Safaera” were altered to omit explicit references to sexual acts and genitalia. As a result, the FCC reportedly decided to shelve further investigation unless new evidence emerges.
Political Reactions
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, denouncing the halftime show as a “slap in the face” to American values. He criticized both the performance and the language, claiming that it did not reflect U.S. standards of success or creativity. Trump remarked that the dancing was inappropriate for the younger audience watching the Super Bowl.
Despite his criticisms, footage later revealed that Trump’s Super Bowl Party featured Bad Bunny’s halftime show rather than Kid Rock’s performance, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from viewers.
Halftime Show Highlights
- The show attracted an impressive 128.2 million viewers, making it the fourth most-watched halftime show in Super Bowl history.
- Bad Bunny performed alongside a vibrant cast of dancers, showcasing a rich celebration of Latin music.
- Notable appearances included celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, and Karol G.
- Lady Gaga also made a surprise appearance, performing a Latin version of her hit song “Die With A Smile.”
The performance was marked by elaborate staged sequences and cultural celebration, highlighting Bad Bunny’s status in the music industry.
Conclusion
The investigation into Bad Bunny’s halftime show ultimately concluded that there were no violations of broadcasting rules. This decision underscores the complexities of cultural representation and artistic expression in mainstream media, particularly during significant events like the Super Bowl.