Bad Bunny Claps Back: “They Tried to Kick Me Out Before the Show Even Started—But Guess What?”—Owning the Super Bowl Stage Like It’s His Kingdom

The cultural battle over the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show reached a crescendo as Bad Bunny fired back at his critics with a defiant, sarcastic flourish. In a video posted to his X account, the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar addressed the mounting backlash head-on, declaring, “They tried to kick me out before the show even started. But guess what? I’m still here.” With a smirk that could light up a stadium, he shrugged off accusations of being unworthy of the NFL’s biggest stage, asserting his dominance with a quip: “This is my kingdom now.” The response, dripping with pride and punctuated by his signature flair, silenced doubters and reaffirmed his resolve to perform—loud, proud, and unstoppable—on February 8, 2026, no matter the noise from critics.

The controversy has been brewing since Bad Bunny’s selection was announced in September 2025, with conservative voices like Turning Point USA’s Erika Kirk and Rep. Pam Bondi leading the charge against his inclusion. Kirk’s “Take Back the Halftime” campaign and Bondi’s TV rant labeling him a “weapon” of a “woke agenda” have painted the artist—known for hits like “Dákiti” and his gender-fluid style—as a cultural interloper. With 45 million monthly Spotify listeners and a $174 million U.S. tour haul in 2024, Bad Bunny’s global appeal is undeniable, yet his Puerto Rican roots and progressive stances have fueled the fire. The NFL star’s recent defense—“If Bad Bunny isn’t American enough, maybe America needs to redefine itself”—only intensified the debate, but Bad Bunny’s latest clapback stole the spotlight.

In his video, filmed against a backdrop of a mock Super Bowl stage with pulsing lights, Bad Bunny leaned into the sarcasm. “Oh, I’m not ‘American’ enough? Last I checked, Puerto Rico’s been U.S. territory since 1898—guess my passport’s just invisible to some,” he said, rolling his eyes. He then struck a regal pose, crown emoji flashing on screen, and added, “This stage? My kingdom. Come try to take it.” The message was clear: he’s not just performing—he’s claiming the Super Bowl as his domain. Fans erupted on X with #BadBunnyKing, sharing clips of his 2020 pre-game set and flooding the platform with 1.5 million posts by midday. “He’s serving looks and truth—bow down!” tweeted one supporter, while another posted, “Loud, proud, unstoppable—let’s go, Benito!”

The backlash, however, didn’t relent. Kirk responded on X: “This arrogance proves our point—halftime should honor American heritage, not a foreign takeover.” Bondi doubled down on Fox News, warning of “cultural dilution,” while TPUSA’s rival “All American Halftime Show” gained traction, teasing a country lineup to counter Bad Bunny’s Latin flair. Their petition hit 260,000 signatures, but ticket sales for the Super Bowl soared 20% since the video dropped, suggesting the controversy might boost viewership past last year’s 123.4 million. Sponsors like Pepsi and Bud Light, with $60 million ad buys at stake, are reportedly monitoring the fallout, torn between cultural currents.

Bad Bunny’s retort wasn’t just defiance—it was a cultural statement. “The next generation deserves this—music that reflects us all, not just one flag,” he said, echoing the NFL star’s inclusion plea. His planned set, teased as a medley of “Titi Me Preguntó” and “Dákiti” with surprise guests, promises a spectacle that blends reggaeton beats with visual artistry, defying calls to “tone it down.” Rumors of NFL pressure to adjust the setlist were swiftly denied by his team, reinforcing his unyielding stance.

Social media buzzed with the fallout. Memes depicted Bad Bunny as a crowned conqueror, Kirk and Bondi as jesters clutching flags, and the NFL star as his knightly ally. Hashtags #KingdomOfBenito and #UnstoppableBunny trended, with TikTok dances to his hits racking up millions of views. At 10:52 AM +07, the internet was ablaze, with fans predicting a record-breaking performance and critics vowing a boycott.

This clash transcends music—it’s a battle for America’s cultural soul. Bad Bunny’s ownership of the stage, from his sarcastic quips to his regal resolve, challenges the status quo, turning noise into a crown. As the countdown to February 8 ticks, one thing’s certain: the man’s here to perform, and no amount of opposition will dethrone him from his Super Bowl kingdom.