Republicans Launch Bad Bunny Investigation
Several Republican lawmakers are urging federal regulators to review the Super Bowl halftime broadcast following concerns that rapper Bad Bunny’s performance included content they believe was inappropriate for a prime-time event watched by millions of families.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) said Monday that he and other House Republicans are preparing to submit a formal request to the Federal Communications Commission, calling for a review of broadcast standards and potential enforcement actions involving the National Football League and its television partner, NBC.
Fine argued that portions of the halftime performance contained suggestive lyrics and imagery that, if delivered in English, would likely have drawn immediate regulatory scrutiny.
He wrote on social media that federal broadcast rules apply regardless of language and said standards should be enforced consistently to protect viewers, particularly children watching at home.
While some lyrics were muted during the broadcast, lawmakers say the overall presentation raised questions about how much content was reviewed and approved prior to airing. Subsequent media reports clarified that certain explicit language had been overstated, though suggestive elements remained part of the performance.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) sent a separate letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee requesting a formal inquiry into whether league officials and network executives had advance knowledge of the material.
Ogles said families tuning in for what is traditionally considered a widely viewed, all-ages event should not be exposed to content that conflicts with community standards.
Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) said the performance may surpass previous halftime controversies, noting that lawmakers are actively reviewing lyrics and footage associated with the broadcast.
Appearing on Real America’s Voice, Alford said congressional Republicans are continuing to evaluate whether the performance violated existing broadcast guidelines.
“This is still under review, and new information continues to come out,” Alford said. “Many Americans found what they saw troubling.”
Reaction also spread beyond Congress. Donald Trump Jr. criticized media coverage that described the performance as “wholesome,” accusing outlets such as The Washington Post of being out of touch with parents and viewers concerned about broadcast standards.
