His big Super Bowl debut comes as the Happy Gilmore 2 actor previously ruled out touring the US due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
« There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate – I’ve performed there many times, » he said in an interview with Variety, adding that all of his shows have been ‘magnificent’ on US soil.
However, he said American citizens ‘could come’ to Puerto Rico to see his shows, whereas there would be ‘the issue’ of ‘f**king ICE’ outside his concerts in the states.
« It’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about, » he added.
Confirming his fears, Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski said ICE agents would be stationed at the big game.
« There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and no where else. We will find and deport you, » he said.
« I don’t care if it’s a concert for Johnny Smith or Bad Bunny or anybody else. We’re going to do enforcement everywhere. »
Lewandowski also slammed the decision for the rapper to perform, stating: « It’s so shameful they picked someone who seems to hate America. »
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny has admitted to being so ‘concerned’ about ICE raids that he won’t include the US on his upcoming tour, but has now made one big exception.
The 31-year-old has been confirmed to headline next year’s Super Bowl halftime show on February 8 2026 at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Previous headliners have included Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Rihanna and The Weeknd. Now, Bad Bunny – real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – is among those gracing one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
