Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick is facing backlash after criticizing the NFL’s decision to feature Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX, set for February 8, 2026.
Patrick, 43, drew attention Monday with a post on X (formerly Twitter) following the league’s announcement. “Oh fun,” she wrote, followed by an eyeroll emoji. “No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year… not just for sports.”
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Her remarks were met with swift and overwhelming criticism from fans and commentators alike, who accused the retired racer of cultural insensitivity. “Puerto Rico is part of the United States,” one user reminded her. Another wrote, “Danica, you can always learn Spanish — my 6-year-old did.”
Others pointed out that Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the world’s most streamed artists, boasting more than 77 million monthly listeners on Spotify. “He’s literally one of the biggest stars on the planet,” one reply read. “He’s earned that stage.”
Bad Bunny acknowledged the honor of performing at the Super Bowl in a statement released by the NFL on Sunday. “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
The Puerto Rican musician has become a global icon for Latin music, recently finishing a record-setting residency in San Juan that streamed live on Amazon Prime. Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation company produces the halftime show, praised Bad Bunny’s impact. “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring,” he said.
While Patrick has yet to respond to the backlash, the reaction highlights a larger conversation about representation in American pop culture — and how the Super Bowl halftime stage continues to evolve beyond language barriers.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment
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