Hollywood legend Rita Moreno has forcefully defended global superstar Bad Bunny amid discussions of his potential Super Bowl halftime show appearance. The veteran actress fully supports the idea of him taking the stage.
In an exclusive interview during the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Moreno shared her excitement for Bad Bunny’s success. She made her stance clear against the criticism he has faced.
“Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl? Oh, I’m delirious!” Moreno said, laughing.
When asked about critics who claim the artist is “not American,” Moreno responded directly. “So what? I’m Puerto Rican too. So what? How annoying!”
Moreno, 93, remains lucid, bold, and unfiltered in her commentary. Her remarks came just hours before she presented Bad Bunny with a major award.
At the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Moreno handed Bad Bunny the prestigious Billboard Latin Artist of the 21st Century award.
During her moving presentation, the West Side Story star reflected on her own career beginnings. She drew a connection between her journey and Bad Bunny’s rise to global fame.
“When I was starting, opportunities were few, and every small step forward was a victory,” she told the audience. “Today I see an artist who transmits that same strength, that same passion to the world, just like the one that helped me never give up. From the heart, Benito, it fills me with joy to give you this award.”
The emotional moment earned a standing ovation from the audience. Bad Bunny embraced Moreno on stage, then delivered a heartfelt speech.
“Thank you for those words, Rita,” he said. “I respect you very much, I admire you very much, and, wow… every time I hear another artist speak like that of me, it reminds me that being myself and doing things with heart is always the right decision.”
The 31-year-old artist had a dominant night, taking home 11 awards from 27 nominations. He admitted to not preparing an acceptance speech for this particular honor.
“What I say now, I say from the heart. I didn’t rehearse anything,” he shared with the crowd. “I still don’t fully understand how this type of award is received, but I thank God because He knows this will not feed my ego. I accept it with humility. I will remain the same.”
He concluded with a message that sparked another ovation. “Go to the studio, have fun, let it all out, be yourselves, say what hurts you, what makes you happy, and never forget who you are. I love you and thank you.”