FCC Flooded With Complaints Over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show
Viewers complained to the FCC about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl 60 halftime performance in Santa Clara, citing alleged nudity, inappropriate content, and Spanish lyrics.
The Federal Communications Commission received dozens of complaints about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl 60 halftime performance on February 8 in Santa Clara, California, with viewers citing everything from alleged nudity to objections over Spanish-language lyrics.
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TMZ obtained the FCC complaint records, revealing the range of grievances Americans filed against the Puerto Rican rap star's performance during the Patriots-Seahawks matchup at Levi's Stadium. The complaints paint a picture of viewers who saw vastly different things during the same broadcast.
Nudity and Content Complaints
One complainant claimed they were "forced to see a man's penis and balls" due to Bad Bunny's dance moves, though the specific moment remains unclear from broadcast footage. Other viewers took issue with the performer grabbing his crotch during the show.
Several complaints targeted the backup dancers, with viewers alleging two dancers grabbed each other's breasts during the choreographed routine. Additional complaints focused on what viewers deemed "inappropriate" and "sexualized" lyrical content throughout the performance.
One particularly colorful complaint accused Bad Bunny of speaking in a "demonic tongue," though this likely referred to the artist performing in his native Spanish rather than any supernatural language.
Language Barrier Frustrations
Multiple complainants expressed frustration that they couldn't understand the performance because it was conducted in Spanish. The language complaints reflect a broader cultural debate about representation in America's biggest sporting event, as networks face increased scrutiny over content decisions.
Stephen A. Smith previously commented that "it would have been nice" if Bad Bunny had performed in English, echoing sentiments expressed in several of the FCC filings.
The Super Bowl halftime show has a long history of generating controversy and FCC complaints, dating back to the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. That incident led to $550,000 in FCC fines and stricter broadcast standards for live events.
While Americans retain the right to file complaints with federal regulators about broadcast content, the FCC rarely takes action against artistic performances unless they involve clear violations of decency standards during prime viewing hours. The agency will review the Bad Bunny complaints as part of its standard process, though enforcement action appears unlikely given the subjective nature of most grievances.