Kamal Ghorui
Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX, and that choice quickly turned into a heated public debate. Some fans welcomed it. Others pushed back hard. The main reason for the anger was not music, but politics. Critics pointed to Bad Bunny’s past protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and his decision not to tour the United States in early 2025. As the debate grew louder, Monica Puig, Puerto Rico’s first Olympic gold medalist, stepped in to share her honest thoughts. Speaking to Arab News on November 8, Puig strongly backed Bad Bunny. She reminded critics that Puerto Rico is part of the United States and that Bad Bunny’s success did not come by chance. Her words added balance to a situation filled with anger, confusion, and strong opinions. Instead of shouting, Puig explained. And many people listened.
Monica Puig explains why Bad Bunny deserves the Super Bowl LX halftime stagex
For Monica Puig, the issue was not just about music. It was about identity and respect. She spoke openly about how painful it was to see people reject Bad Bunny simply because he sings in Spanish.“It’s been a really controversial moment, which has been hard to see because, being from Puerto Rico, it is an American territory, it is part of the United States,” Puig told Arab News. “And people have really said they wanted an American artist when we are an American territory. We have a U.S. passport, U.S. currency, everything.”She also pointed out a truth many forget. “The only thing that we cannot do is vote for the president. But we are essentially part of the U.S.”Puig then shifted the focus to Bad Bunny’s work. She said his place on the Super Bowl stage was earned, not handed out. “He’s earned it. Album of the Year. His album has resonated with all of Puerto Rico. It has even made a big international impact,” she said.The controversy grew after Bad Bunny declined a U.S. tour earlier in 2025 as a protest against ICE raids. Some fans also questioned why a Spanish-speaking artist was chosen over an American singer. The National Football League stood by its decision.Last year, Kendrick Lamar headlined Super Bowl LIX, with appearances from Serena Williams and actor Samuel L. Jackson.Puig also shared a lighter moment. She confirmed she will watch the game with her husband, former tennis player Nathan Rakitt. “I’m going to be watching. We are going to order pizza and sit down,” she said. “I couldn’t go to his concert because I was pregnant, so this is going to be a treat.”Puig retired from tennis in June 2022 after injuries. She remains a strong voice for Puerto Rico, both on and off the court.
