Former ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele blasted the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl LX halftime show during a Friday appearance on "The Faulkner Focus." Steele argued that the controversy surrounding the Puerto Rican rapper has nothing to do with his heritage. Instead, she claimed the artist has "led with hate" since he was announced as the headliner.
"This isn’t about someone who is not American, and Bad Bunny is, but it isn’t about that," Steele told host Harris Faulkner. She compared the situation to U2’s iconic post-9/11 performance, noting that foreign artists are welcome when they respect the country. Steele argued that Bad Bunny has spent months insulting American fans and the nation’s culture.
The broadcaster specifically pointed to Bad Bunny’s previous comments mocking English speakers. During a Saturday Night Live appearance in late 2025, the singer told fans, "If you didn't understand what I just said, you have four months to learn." Steele called the remark "disturbing" and argued that such an attitude would never be accepted in any other country.
"He says he hates us, he’s not going to take our money but now he’s doing it," Steele said. She also criticized the singer for his vocal opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many fans have expressed outrage over the NFL giving a platform to an artist who actively bashes federal law enforcement.
Steele praised Turning Point USA for providing an "All-American" alternative halftime show. The TPUSA event will feature Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. Steele called the alternative show a necessary option for Americans who feel alienated by the NFL's "woke" direction.
While she recognizes the move as a business decision to globalize the NFL, Steele believes the league is ignoring its core audience. She predicted that many viewers would only watch the official show to "hate watch" and see how bad the performance truly is. The Super Bowl is set to take place this Sunday in Santa Clara, California.