Bad Bunny's selection for the Super Bowl halftime show has ignited a fiery debate, with NFL legend Eric Dickerson fiercely opposing the choice. Dickerson didn’t hold back, telling Bad Bunny to "keep his ass" away from the Super Bowl if the artist truly harbors negative feelings toward the United States. This blunt statement came during an encounter with TMZ outside LAX, where Dickerson shared that he had heard some controversial remarks from Bad Bunny about America — comments he believes have no place on the grand stage of the world’s biggest sporting event.
“I'm proud to be from the U.S.,” Dickerson declared. “And if you don’t like this country, then just stay away and don't come here.” When confronted with the fact that Bad Bunny is an American citizen through Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, Dickerson shifted his stance, insisting, “I know Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., but in my eyes, it’s not the U.S. That’s just how I see it and feel.”
While Dickerson didn’t specify exactly what Bad Bunny said that upset him, it’s worth noting that the halftime show choice has also drawn sharp criticism from former President Trump and other Republican leaders, who have publicly questioned the decision.
Bad Bunny, who recently clinched the top spot on Billboard’s Top Latin Artists of the 21st Century chart, sparked headlines earlier this year when he revealed his "DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS" tour would skip the continental United States altogether. His reason? Concerns over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at concert venues, a politically charged and controversial issue that highlights the tension surrounding his relationship with the U.S.
Adding fuel to the fire, during the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live," which he hosted recently, Bad Bunny responded to critics of his halftime performance by joking that if they don’t understand his native language, they have “four months to learn.” This witty comeback, however, failed to amuse Dickerson, who remained unswayed.
“If Bad Bunny has said something negative about this country, my advice is simple: don’t come here to perform. Just stay in your own country,” Dickerson insisted.
The Super Bowl LX halftime event is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. But here’s where it gets controversial—should an artist’s political views or criticisms towards the country disqualify them from performing on such a prestigious platform? Is Dickerson’s strict stance on nationality and patriotism too rigid or perfectly justified? The debate is open, and your thoughts could spark an even bigger conversation. Do you agree with Eric Dickerson or do you think Bad Bunny’s voice and choices deserve representation on this global stage?
