NFL Controversy: Steelers Owner Art Rooney II’s Fiery Response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Selection Ignites Backlash

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing cultural debate surrounding the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II has issued a bold ultimatum that has sent shockwaves through the league. Reports circulating on social media claim Rooney declared, “The Super Bowl is a football mecca, not a Bad Bunny stage!”—a seven-word statement that’s being hailed by some as a defiant stand for traditional American values and criticized by others as outdated resistance to cultural evolution.

The controversy erupted shortly after the NFL, in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, announced on September 28, 2025, that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) would take the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. This marks the second consecutive year the league has selected a performer perceived as “politically charged” by conservative critics, following Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking set in 2025, which drew over 127 million viewers.

The Spark: Bad Bunny’s Selection and Immediate Backlash

Bad Bunny, a global icon with a net worth estimated at $50 million in 2025, has dominated charts with his blend of Latin trap, reggaeton, and social commentary. His music often addresses issues like immigration, mental health, and Puerto Rican identity, which have endeared him to millions but drawn ire from MAGA-aligned commentators. Critics, including Department of Homeland Security adviser Corey Lewandowski, have labeled him an “America-hater” and even suggested Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at the event.

The NFL’s decision has been framed by some as a progressive nod to diversity, with CNN calling it a “subversive” choice that challenges the league’s history of navigating controversies like Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protests. However, conservative voices on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have amplified the outrage, with posts claiming the league is prioritizing “woke” entertainment over football’s core audience.

Adding fuel to the fire, viral X posts allege the Steelers organization has filed an “emergency petition” to block Bad Bunny’s performance, with Rooney threatening to withdraw the team from Super Bowl participation if changes aren’t made. While unconfirmed by official Steelers or NFL channels, these claims have garnered thousands of views and shares, turning the story into a lightning rod for debate.

No $1 Million Payout: Debunking the “Settlement” Rumor

Contrary to sensational rumors of a $1 million “settlement” to secure Bad Bunny’s appearance, the reality of Super Bowl halftime compensation is far more modest. The NFL pays performers only the union minimum rate—typically around $671 for the show and $1,800 for rehearsals, as seen with Usher’s 2024 performance. The league covers production costs, which can exceed $15 million for staging and effects, but artists like Bad Bunny forgo massive fees in exchange for unparalleled exposure to over 123 million viewers.

Bad Bunny himself addressed the backlash humorously during his October 5, 2025, hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, quipping, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” This lighthearted jab at language barriers in his primarily Spanish-language catalog has only intensified the divide, with Reddit threads like r/OutOfTheLoop buzzing about the “annual Super Bowl performer outrage.”

Rooney’s Ultimatum: A Stand for Football’s Purity?

Art Rooney II, the 93-year-old patriarch of the Steelers dynasty and a revered figure in NFL lore, has long been a voice for tradition. His family’s ownership dates back to the league’s early days, and Rooney has navigated past scandals with a focus on the game’s integrity. The alleged livestream outburst—described in X posts as a “roaring” defense of the Super Bowl as a “football mecca”—positions him as a champion against what some see as the NFL’s creeping politicization.

Insiders speculate this could stem from broader frustrations, including the league’s Roc Nation partnership aimed at social justice initiatives post-Kaepernick. If true, Rooney’s words could rally conservative fans but risk alienating younger, diverse audiences that the NFL has courted aggressively.

The NFL has yet to respond officially to the petition rumors, but sources indicate internal discussions are underway to mitigate PR fallout. As one Washington insider told Hindustan Times, “This isn’t just about music—it’s about who owns the Super Bowl’s soul.”

What’s Next for the NFL and Bad Bunny?

With four months until kickoff, the league faces a high-stakes balancing act. Bad Bunny’s inclusion promises record viewership and a surge in streams—Rihanna’s 2023 performance alone boosted her catalog by millions. Yet, escalating boycotts from traditionalists could dent attendance and sponsorships.

For Steelers fans, Rooney’s stance evokes the family’s storied resilience, but it also raises questions: Will this lead to real action, or is it performative defiance? As social media erupts—search #BadBunnySuperBowl for the latest— one thing is clear: The 2026 halftime show is already the most talked-about in years.