In a recent development from the entertainment world, talk show host Stephen Colbert has publicly supported Bad Bunny for his outspoken comments against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and his decision to perform in Spanish at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. This comes after the Grammy Awards 2026, where Bad Bunny made headlines by calling for ICE to be "out" and emphasising the humanity and American identity of immigrants.
Grammy Awards 2026: A Night of Records and Protests
The Grammy Awards 2026 concluded with significant achievements and notable protests, becoming a focal point for discussions on social issues. Bad Bunny, who won several awards including Album of the Year, used his acceptance speeches to criticise the current Donald Trump administration and ICE. He stated, "We’re not savages; we’re not animals; we’re not aliens; we are humans, and we are Americans." Other artists like Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber also voiced their concerns about the country's immigration policies, adding to the event's political undertones.
Stephen Colbert's Defense on The Late Show
During the opening monologue of his latest episode, Stephen Colbert addressed the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny. He highlighted the artist's decision to cancel many shows to protect fans from potential ICE raids and his plan to perform the Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish. Colbert remarked, "The halftime show for this year’s Super Bowl will be a friend of the show, Bad Bunny, who sings almost exclusively in Spanish and is expected to perform in Spanish. The right-wing media has a problem with the booking because he excluded the continental US tour out of fear that ICE could potentially raid the venues, and on Sunday night he blasted the ICE while accepting the Grammys."
Colbert further defended Bad Bunny by pointing out his American citizenship, noting that he is from Puerto Rico, a part of the United States. He said, "He is just looking out for his fans. The New York Times asked some NFL players what they thought about the decision. One player said, 'I always think it should be an American. I think they’re trying too hard with this international stuff.' I agree, and I bet Bad Bunny agrees too because he is America. He is from Puerto Rico, which is a part of the United States."
Historical Context of Super Bowl Performers
Colbert also drew attention to the fact that many past Super Bowl performers, such as Shania Twain, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones, were not American, challenging the criticism against Bad Bunny's Spanish performance. This comparison underscores the inclusivity and global nature of the event, suggesting that language should not be a barrier to participation.
The internet remains divided on Bad Bunny's actions, with some praising his stance on immigration and others criticising his performance choices. However, Colbert's support adds a significant voice to the debate, emphasising themes of citizenship, fan safety, and cultural expression in the entertainment industry.
