Megyn Kelly's fervent criticism of Bad Bunny's Spanish‑languageSuper Bowlhalftime performance has sparked intense public debate over culture, language and national identity in the United States. OnPiers Morgan Uncensoredon Monday, the former television host described the choice of the Puerto Rican artist's performance as 'a middle finger to the rest of America', arguing the event should reflect the tastes and language of the wider country.
Kelly's comments came as the Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by Bad Bunny at Super Bowl 60 on 8 February, drew record streaming figures but also revived long‑running discussions about the cultural role of the NFL's biggest entertainment platform.
During theinterview, Kelly said the all‑Spanish performance by Bad Bunny excluded the majority of Americans who do not speak Spanish, despite a substantial Spanish‑speaking population in the country. 'I'm sorry, Piers, but to get up there and perform the whole show in Spanish is a middle finger to the rest of America,' she asserted, adding the Super Bowl 'is supposed to be a unifying event for the country.'
The heated exchange escalated when Piers Morgan challenged Kelly's perception of language policy in the United States. When asked whether English was the official language, Morgan corrected her suggestion, pointing out that the US does not have an official national language codified in law.
Kelly responded that there had been efforts to make English the official language, but her broader argument extended to concerns about cultural cohesion and national identity.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions to Kelly's remarks, illustrating the polarising nature of the discussion. One user wrote, 'That's actually called racism!' while another commented simply, 'Racism to the max', reflecting a segment of online criticism that viewed Kelly's stance as racially insensitive.
Supporters of Kelly's position also voiced their views on web forums and in comment sections, debating language, national traditions and the role of entertainment in American culture.
Bad Bunny's 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance was marked by its predominantly Spanish content and high audience engagement, with official streams reaching tens of millions of views. The Puerto Rican artist, celebrated globally for his music, has been a frequent subject of cultural commentary for his artistic choices and political stances.
The all‑Spanish set prompted a spectrum of responses from media and politicians. Some conservative commentators echoed Kelly's critique, while others defended the performance as a celebration of diversity and the contributions of Hispanic culture to the United States. Late-night hosts have also weighed in, using satire to challenge critics of the show.
The criticism of Bad Bunny's performance is part of a wider cultural debate in the US about language and identity within national institutions.
Source: International Business Times UK
