Former professional race car driver Danica Patrick recently caused quite a stir. She openly criticized the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Her comments quickly got people talking.
Patrick, 42, shared her thoughts on Sunday, September 29, via X. “How fun,” she began, clearly not impressed. She went on to say, “Songs that are not in English should not be allowed at one of the most-watched TV events of the year in the United States. Not just for sports.” This statement quickly lit up social media, especially in the replies to her post.
The online community wasted no time in reacting. One fan playfully asked, “What are you going to do? Threaten to race in NASCAR again?” Another simply pointed out, “You know he’s American, right?” Bad Bunny was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, on March 10, 1994. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, this makes him an American citizen by birth.
Still, Patrick did find some agreement among her followers. One person commented, “Don’t forget the guy didn’t want to do shows in the United States because of ICE and he’s still going to perform on SNL and at the Super Bowl.” This comment brought up a past statement from Bad Bunny.
Back in September, Bad Bunny told i-D Magazine why he left out U.S. cities from his 2025 tour schedule. He feared his fans might be targeted by ICE raids. “I have enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the United States,” he explained. “But there was a possibility that ICE would be outside my concert. And that was something we talked about and were very concerned about.”
Despite the wave of criticism from Patrick and others, Bad Bunny made it clear how he sees the Super Bowl stage. For him, it is a big chance to celebrate his community and heritage. He shared his feelings after the news broke on Sunday, September 28. “What I feel goes beyond me,” he stated. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
The Puerto Rican superstar also shared an exciting detail about how he got the news. Jay-Z himself called to tell him. “I was literally in the middle of a workout when Jay-Z called me,” Bad Bunny told Apple Music on Monday. “I had just done 100 sit-ups. I was [excited]. I didn’t need more pre-workout or anything, I was [super motivated]. It was very special.”
Besides the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny is also set to host and perform on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live on Saturday, October 4. His selection for the halftime show has also drawn criticism from conservative voices. Media personalities like Benny Johnson and Ryan Fournier have spoken out against the decision, citing his lyrics and activism.
However, this kind of attention is nothing new for the global pop sensation. Bad Bunny has been the most-streamed artist worldwide on Spotify for three years straight. He has collected multiple Grammy awards and continues to top music charts with songs in both Spanish and English. He has performed on major stages like Coachella, the Grammys, and even WWE events.
Patrick herself is no stranger to public debate. The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, who retired in 2018, often makes headlines for her strong opinions. These range from racing safety to politics. Her recent comments just add another moment to her long history of controversial statements.
Through it all, Bad Bunny’s message remains clear. He promised to dedicate his performance to “my people, my culture, and our history.”