John Oliver Defends Bad Bunny Amid Super Bowl 2026 Backlash
UPDATE: John Oliver has come to the defense of Bad Bunny following a wave of backlash against the artist’s selection for the Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show. Just hours after the NFL’s announcement, criticism erupted on social media, particularly from conservative commentators. In a recent episode of Last Week Tonight, Oliver called Bad Bunny “one of the hottest, most commercially successful people alive,” highlighting the artist’s significant impact and popularity.
The controversy intensified after Bad Bunny’s previous comments on Donald Trump and his unique style, which includes gender-fluid fashion and Spanish-language lyrics, drew ire from critics. Fox News was particularly vocal, but Bad Bunny took the opportunity to respond humorously during his appearance on Saturday Night Live, stating, “I’m very happy, and I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.” His quip was followed by a playful video montage suggesting, “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician. He should be the next president.”
In a sharp response to the backlash, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that ICE agents will be present at the Super Bowl venue, a move that sparked further outrage. Oliver addressed this on his show, stating, “If ICE can show up and bother some guys at their roofing job, then bystanders should be able to bother ICE at their state-sanctioned kidnapping job. It is only fair.” He emphasized the need for communities to push back against intimidation tactics by the government.
As the debate continues, the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which has increasingly embraced diverse artists. The event is set to take place in February 2026, and the anticipation is palpable, with fans eager to see how Bad Bunny will bring his unique flair to the iconic stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for how both Bad Bunny and John Oliver continue to influence the conversation surrounding the Super Bowl 2026.
