Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Cleared by FCC Despite Complaints

The Grammy-winning rapper's performance did not violate any FCC rules, according to a report.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Despite concerns from some right-wing critics about 'indecent material' and 'offensive language' during Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, the FCC has determined that the rapper's censored songs did not actually violate any FCC rules. The FCC has reportedly shelved any additional scrutiny of the performance 'barring further evidence' of wrongdoing.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's selection as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime Show was controversial to some, with Turning Point USA broadcasting their own 'All-American Halftime Show' as counter-programming. However, the FCC's decision to clear Bad Bunny's performance puts to rest any lingering concerns about the appropriateness of his set.

The details

While Bad Bunny's songs 'could have violated FCC rules banning profanity and obscenity during primetime hours' if they had not been censored, the rapper smartly adjusted his performance to comply with FCC regulations. As a result, the FCC 'is said to have shelved any additional scrutiny barring further evidence' of wrongdoing.

  • Bad Bunny performed during the Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8, 2026.
  • The FCC review of the performance took place in the days following the Super Bowl.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper who headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2026.

Turning Point USA

A conservative non-profit organization that broadcast their own 'All-American Halftime Show' as counter-programming to Bad Bunny's performance.

FCC

The Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating public airwaves and enforcing rules around indecency and obscenity.

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The takeaway

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, while controversial to some, ultimately did not violate any FCC rules or regulations. This decision puts to rest concerns about the appropriateness of the rapper's set and underscores the FCC's role in ensuring public airwaves remain compliant with indecency standards.