Influencer's Public Snub of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Show Sparks Follower Exodus and Cultural Debate
In a dramatic display of social media consequences, content creator Amanda Vance faced an immediate backlash and a rapid loss of followers after publicly snubbing Bad Bunny's headline performance at Super Bowl LX. The incident, which unfolded in real-time on Instagram, highlighted the volatile nature of online audiences during major cultural events.
Video Post Triggers Swift Backlash and Follower Drop
Amanda Vance, known for her sports-betting content and substantial Instagram following, shared a video during the Super Bowl halftime show in Santa Clara, California, that showed her apparently ignoring Bad Bunny's live performance. In the clip, Vance wore headphones and danced to what appeared to be a separate livestream—widely linked to a conservative alternative broadcast—rather than watching the official halftime show.
She captioned the post with the phrase "I chose America and songs I know", which immediately drew criticism from viewers. According to reports, Vance claimed to lose approximately 1,000 Instagram followers within just two minutes of posting, as fans and commentators reacted negatively to her stance amid widespread praise for Bad Bunny's set.
Reactions from Influencers and Public Figures
The backlash extended beyond follower counts, with television personality Kat Dunn publicly unfollowing Vance and pointing to xenophobic messages directed at the influencer following her post. Dunn commented, "Puerto Rico is in America by the way", underscoring the sensitivity around cultural representation.
Public commentary on platforms like Instagram and X revealed a divided response:
- One user remarked, "Buys $6k ticket for the worst seats then doesn't even watch the performance she paid for lol"
- Another stated, "Well she missed the best half time show of her life"
While some users expressed frustration with the performance's language or style, many more voiced strong support for Bad Bunny's artistic expression and celebration of Latin heritage on one of entertainment's biggest global stages.
Historic Performance and Mixed Cultural Reactions
Bad Bunny's halftime show marked a historic moment as the first Spanish-language headline performance in Super Bowl history. Broadcast live during the NFL championship game to an estimated global audience, the Puerto Rican artist delivered a set deeply rooted in Latin culture and unity, featuring appearances from stars including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
The performance received widespread acclaim as a milestone for representation in mainstream entertainment, yet it also stirred significant debate:
- Positive Reception: Many fans and commentators hailed the show for its scale, choreography, and message of unity, noting its potential record viewership numbers.
- Critical Voices: Former US President Donald Trump criticized the performance on social media, calling it "absolutely terrible" and questioning its reflection of American values.
- Controversial Commentary: Public figures like Jake Paul urged followers to boycott the show, labeling Bad Bunny "a fake American citizen" in controversial posts.
Broader Implications for Social Media Influence
Vance's experience illustrates the risks influencers face when taking strong public positions during high-profile live events. The rapid loss of followers demonstrates how quickly digital audiences can react to perceived cultural insensitivity, particularly when rejecting performances that millions worldwide are celebrating.
This incident serves as a case study in the power dynamics of social media influence, showing that even momentary decisions during major cultural moments can have immediate and measurable consequences for online reputation and follower engagement.
