When a TMZ photographer raised questions about the criticism surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection for the Super Bowl halftime show, Jay‑Z — whose Roc Nation has handled halftime bookings since 2019 — made his stance unmistakable: he supports the Puerto Rican superstar without hesitation. “They love him. Don’t let them fool you,” Jay‑Z told TMZ.

The booking, announced by Roc Nation in late September, prompted sharp pushback from conservative figures. Former President Donald Trump said he was unfamiliar with the artist and questioned the decision, while some conservative commentators suggested heightened security presence at the event.

The NFL offered a contrasting view. Commissioner Roger Goodell told CBS Sports that Bad Bunny is among the world’s most popular entertainers and that selecting halftime performers is a deliberate process designed to maximize entertainment value — a choice that often attracts some criticism.

In protest, the conservative organization Turning Point USA announced plans to stage an alternative halftime presentation, though officials have not released a lineup for that event.

Bad Bunny’s commercial track record underscores his global reach: he became the first Latin artist to notch 100 career entries on the Billboard Hot 100, landed the first all‑Spanish No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with El Último Tour Del Mundo (2020), has matched Taylor Swift for the most solo No. 1s on the Billboard Global 200, and has regularly ranked among Spotify’s most‑streamed artists.

The Super Bowl halftime show is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+.

TMZ: Jay‑Z’s remarks ·
CBS Sports: Goodell’s comments

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