Global music sensation Bad Bunny has found himself in an unexpected spotlight, facing significant backlash for an action offstage that has sparked a debate on responsibility and respect for historical artifacts. The incident occurred just as he concluded his massive world tour, casting a shadow ahead of his highly anticipated headline performance at the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
A Controversial Museum Visit in Mexico City
The event that triggered the uproar took place in mid-December, following the end of Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour'. During a visit to Mexico City's National Institute of Anthropology and History, the Puerto Rican star posted a photo of himself on social media. In the image, he is seen placing his hand on a carved Maya stone slab, an artifact of immense historical value.
This ancient slab is believed to date back to a period between 250 and 900 AD. It features intricate carvings of rulers and hieroglyphic inscriptions, making it a priceless piece of cultural heritage. The act of physical contact, though perhaps unintentional, directly violated preservation protocols.
Swift Institutional Response and Online Fury
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reacted promptly to the singer's post. The institution publicly reminded Bad Bunny that "physical contact with archaeological goods is prohibited." They emphasized that such contact can irreparably damage the preservation and long-term condition of these fragile items.
Under Mexico’s Federal Law on Monuments, touching or damaging archaeological artifacts is a serious offense. The law stipulates that such actions can lead to substantial fines or even imprisonment. The online criticism was swift and severe, with many users condemning the lack of awareness. Although Bad Bunny later deleted the photo, the backlash had already spread widely across social media platforms.
Super Bowl Spotlight and Mixed Reactions
The timing of this controversy is particularly notable. Bad Bunny is deep in preparations to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in California. This will mark his second appearance at the mega-event, following a guest spot in 2020.
Speaking about the prestigious opportunity, Bad Bunny had previously stated, "This is for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown." He added, "This is for my people, my culture, and our history." The halftime show is set to air on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock.
The announcement of his performance has drawn a spectrum of reactions from public figures. Former US President Donald Trump criticized the decision, labeling it as "ridiculous" and "crazy." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned that law enforcement would be present at the event through ICE agents. On the other hand, music mogul Jay-Z praised the booking, saying, "What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring," calling the performance a cultural milestone on "the world's biggest stage."
As Bad Bunny navigates the immense pressures of global fame, the museum incident serves as a stark reminder that his actions are constantly under scrutiny. With the Super Bowl approaching, fans and critics are now watching closely, not just for his on-stage performance, but also for how he conducts himself as a global icon representing his culture on and off the stage.
