GOP Lawmakers Demand Probe of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show

Congressman claims performance featured "explicit displays" and "unspeakable depravities"

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Republican Congressman has requested a formal investigation into Bad Bunny's history-making Super Bowl LX halftime performance, claiming the content was inappropriate and illegal to air on public television. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee sent a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee demanding an inquiry into the NFL and NBCUniversal over their "prior knowledge, review, and approval" of the music superstar's 13-minute show, which he described as "pure smut" featuring "explicit displays of gay sexual acts, women gyrating provocatively, and Bad Bunny shamelessly grabbing his crotch while dry-humping the air."

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries of acceptable content in major televised events, especially the Super Bowl halftime show which is one of the most widely viewed broadcasts of the year. The controversy also touches on broader cultural and political tensions around issues of LGBTQ+ representation, artistic expression, and the regulation of public airwaves.

The details

In his letter, Ogles specifically mentioned Bad Bunny's songs "Safaera" and "Yo Perreo Sola," arguing their sexual content would be "readily apparent across any language barrier." He claimed the "explicit nature of the material" heightened the broadcaster's "obligation to exercise reasonable diligence" in reviewing and evaluating the content prior to airing. Ogles argued that "broadcasting a performance dominated by sexually explicit lyrical themes and suggestive choreography during the most widely viewed family broadcast of the year calls into question whether NBCUniversal fulfilled its responsibilities." However, during the actual performance, Bad Bunny reportedly refrained from singing those songs' most explicit lyrics.

  • The Super Bowl LX halftime show featuring Bad Bunny took place on February 11, 2026.
  • On February 9, 2026, Rep. Andy Ogles sent a letter to Rep. Brett Guthrie demanding an investigation into the halftime show.

The players

Rep. Andy Ogles

A Republican Congressman from Tennessee who is requesting a formal investigation into Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance.

Rep. Brett Guthrie

The Republican Congressman from Kentucky who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over broadcast regulation and oversees the FCC.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican music superstar whose history-making Super Bowl LX halftime show is at the center of the controversy.

NFL

The National Football League, which produced the Super Bowl halftime show.

NBCUniversal

The media company that broadcast the Super Bowl and Bad Bunny's halftime performance.

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What they’re saying

“If that weren't outrageous enough, the lyrics openly glorified sodomy and countless other unspeakable depravities.”

— Rep. Andy Ogles, Congressman (USA TODAY)

“These flagrant, indecent acts are illegal to be displayed on public airways. American culture will not be mocked or corrupted without consequence.”

— Rep. Andy Ogles, Congressman (USA TODAY)

“Had he said these lyrics — and all of the other disgusting and pornographic filth in English on live TV, the broadcast would have been pulled down and the fines would have been enormous. Puerto Ricans are Americans, and we all live by the same rules.”

— Rep. Randy Fine, Congressman (USA TODAY)

“Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World. This 'Show' is just a 'slap in the face' to our Country.”

— Donald Trump (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, will decide whether to launch a formal investigation into the NFL and NBCUniversal's handling of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing cultural and political tensions around the boundaries of acceptable content in major televised events, especially as artists like Bad Bunny push the envelope and challenge traditional norms. The debate touches on complex issues of free speech, artistic expression, and the regulation of public airwaves.