FCC Reviewed Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show, Found No Violations

Republican lawmaker had suggested the performance could violate indecency rules

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested transcripts of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance from NBC after a Republican lawmaker suggested it could violate federal indecency regulations. However, after reviewing the transcripts, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said she found no violation of the FCC's rules and no justification for harassing broadcasters over the performance.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing debate over content regulation and censorship, particularly around high-profile live events. The FCC's review and finding of no violations underscores the challenges in policing live performances and the subjective nature of indecency rules.

The details

The FCC requested the transcripts after Representative Randy Fine, a Republican, suggested Bad Bunny had used expletives in Spanish during the performance. However, the FCC Commissioner who reviewed the transcripts said she found no violations of FCC rules. The New York Post reported earlier that the performance did not include some lyrics that contained graphic sexual references, and the FCC does not plan to review the matter further barring additional evidence.

  • The Super Bowl halftime show took place on February 8, 2026.
  • The FCC requested the transcripts after the performance.

The players

Anna Gomez

An FCC Commissioner who reviewed the transcripts of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance and found no violations of FCC rules.

Randy Fine

A Republican lawmaker who suggested Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance could have violated federal indecency regulations.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican superstar who performed during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026.

Comcast

The parent company of NBC, which aired the Super Bowl and Bad Bunny's halftime show performance.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who criticized Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance, calling it 'an affront to the Greatness of America' and 'a slap in the face' to the country.

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What they’re saying

“I reviewed them carefully, and I found no violation of our rules and no justification for harassing broadcasters over a standard live performance.”

— Anna Gomez, FCC Commissioner

“Nobody understands a word this guy is saying. The dancing is disgusting and not suitable for children.”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

What’s next

The FCC does not plan to review the matter further unless additional evidence emerges that would warrant further investigation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between content regulation, free expression, and the challenges of policing live performances. The FCC's finding of no violations underscores the subjective nature of indecency rules and the need for a balanced approach that respects artistic freedom while also considering community standards.