FCC Finds No Violations in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show

Federal regulators reviewed the performance and concluded inappropriate lyrics had been removed.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Federal Communications Commission reviewed Bad Bunny's 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and found it did not violate rules banning indecent and profane content during primetime hours, despite complaints from Republican lawmakers about the lyrics and themes in the Puerto Rican reggaeton star's music.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's halftime show performance was controversial, with some critics taking issue with the fact that it was entirely in Spanish and the politically-charged themes in his music. The FCC's finding that the show did not violate content rules could impact future decisions around high-profile live performances during major televised events.

The details

The FCC reviewed the halftime show after receiving complaints from Republican lawmakers like Rep. Randy Fine and Rep. Mark Alford, who criticized the "vulgar and disgusting content" and "very disturbing" lyrics. However, the FCC concluded that any inappropriate lyrics had been removed prior to the live performance.

  • Bad Bunny performed at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8, 2026.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican reggaeton singer and six-time Grammy winner who headlined the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Rep. Randy Fine

A Republican U.S. Representative from Florida who criticized the "woke garbage" in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance.

Rep. Mark Alford

A Republican U.S. Representative from Missouri who described the lyrics in Bad Bunny's performance as "very disturbing."

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who attacked Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, calling it "an affront to the Greatness of America."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The woke garbage we witnessed on Super Bowl Sunday needs to be INVESTIGATED and put to an END.”

— Rep. Randy Fine, U.S. Representative (The New York Post)

“The lyrics from what we've seen from Bad Bunny are very disturbing.”

— Rep. Mark Alford, U.S. Representative (Newsmax)

“It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn't represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”

— Donald Trump (The New York Post)

The takeaway

The FCC's finding that Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show did not violate content rules despite political backlash highlights the ongoing debate around censorship, free speech, and cultural representation in high-profile live performances.