Former racing star Danica Patrick has found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after sharing her thoughts on the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show performer. The announcement, which dropped earlier this week, has already stirred up plenty of debate across the sports and entertainment worlds.
Patrick didn’t hold back when she took to social media, writing that performances with no songs in English shouldn’t be featured at one of America’s most-watched television events of the year. The retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver made it clear she wasn’t thrilled about the decision with her frankly racist response, sparking immediate reactions from fans and critics alike.
Oh fun. 🙄
No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year… not just for sports. https://t.co/Q4Q1ZPJySC— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) September 29, 2025
The timing of Patrick’s comments is particularly interesting given the heated political atmosphere surrounding the announcement. The decision to feature Bad Bunny has stirred controversy due to his past comments about President Trump and ICE, adding another layer to an already charged conversation.
Meanwhile, the NFL is standing firmly behind its choice. Jon Barker, the league’s SVP of Global Event Production, defended the decision by praising Bad Bunny’s dynamic performances, creative vision, and deep connection with fans, saying they expect an unforgettable experience from this iconic cultural moment.
Bad Bunny, who was born in Puerto Rico, is a U.S. citizen by birth since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. The Grammy-winning artist has become one of the world’s most-streamed musicians, dominating charts with both Spanish and English collaborations. His influence extends well beyond music, making him a natural fit for the massive Super Bowl stage.
Social media users wasted no time responding to Patrick’s stance. Comments flooded in from both supporters and critics, with many pointing out the diverse nature of American culture and entertainment. The backlash has been swift and widespread, with some calling her remarks divisive during a time when representation matters more than ever.
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been about celebrating entertainment at its highest level. With Bad Bunny set to take the stage in February 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, millions of viewers worldwide will tune in to see what promises to be an electrifying performance.
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