Sage Steele Criticizes Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Attitude

Former ESPN host Sage Steele has identified what she views as the most troubling aspect of Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime performance at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, faces significant pushback from conservative NFL fans and commentators, including former President Donald Trump, over his past criticisms of U.S. immigration policies and ICE. However, Steele argues that a deeper issue lies in the rapper’s approach to his American audience.

“This isn’t about someone who is not American—Bad Bunny is—but it isn’t about that,” Steele stated on Faulkner Focus. “U2, from Ireland, gave an amazing performance right after 9/11 over 20 years ago. This is about an artist leading with hate, which Bad Bunny has done from day one.”

Refusal to Speak English Sparks Concern

Steele highlighted Bad Bunny’s comments demanding that fans learn Spanish. “When he says, ‘I’m not going to speak your language, you have four months to learn it,’ are you kidding me? It would never be acceptable in their country,” she said. “That’s the disturbing thing—not that he’s from Puerto Rico, but that he says he hates us, won’t take our money, yet now he’s doing it.”

The Puerto Rican artist has previously avoided mainland U.S. tour dates citing ICE concerns and reiterated his stance at the 2026 Grammys, where he won three awards. During a Saturday Night Live appearance, he quipped that American fans should learn Spanish for his shows.

Alternative Show for Conservative Viewers

Steele praised Turning Point USA (TPUSA) for organizing a rival halftime event airing around 8 p.m., featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. “I love there’s an alternative,” she noted. “That’s what America is all about, and TPUSA deserves credit for stepping up—it’s needed more than ever.”

She predicted many might still tune into Bad Bunny’s show out of curiosity or to critique it, given his insistence on performing in Spanish.

NFL’s Global Business Strategy

Steele acknowledged the NFL’s decision as a business move to expand internationally. “Two years ago, only two NFL games were played abroad; last season, three; and in 2025, five,” she explained. “The commissioner focuses on growing the game globally, regardless of player or fan opinions.”

Bad Bunny recently shared his pre-performance nerves during a San Francisco press conference, teasing special guests and pledging a tribute to his Puerto Rican roots.