Ultra-Conservative Lawmaker Demands Federal Probe into Bad Bunny's 'Indecent' Halftime Show
Rep. Andy Ogles has taken a firm stance against Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl, labeling it “explicit and indecent.” In a letter directed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he is advocating for a formal congressional investigation into both the NFL and NBCUniversal.
Ogles expressed his discontent over what he described as “sexually explicit lyrical themes and suggestive choreography” during a broadcast that is traditionally viewed by families across the nation. He questioned whether the network had met its obligations to provide appropriate content.
The Tennessee lawmaker specifically criticized Bad Bunny’s song “Safaera,” which he claimed contained “graphic lyrical content” including references to sexual acts. However, it’s worth noting that the version performed during the Super Bowl did not feature those explicit lyrics.
Beyond the controversy, Bad Bunny’s show included heartfelt tributes to Puerto Rico, showcasing moments such as elderly men playing games, a live wedding attended by Lady Gaga, and a symbolic Grammy award presentation to a child representing his younger self. A prominent message displayed above Levi’s Stadium read: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
Ogles dismissed these wholesome elements, focusing instead on the track “Yo Perreo Sola,” which he criticized for its choreography that he deemed overtly sexualized. He described the performance as featuring “widespread twerking, grinding, pelvic thrusts, and other sexually suggestive conduct.”
Known for his strong conservative views, Ogles has previously advocated for Christian nationalism and has opposed abortion and same-sex marriage. His political actions include proposing a constitutional amendment for President Trump to serve a third term and filing impeachment articles against judges who rule against Trump.
Concerns over sexually suggestive performances are not new; moral outrage has been a recurring theme since the 1950s, when Elvis Presley faced backlash for his dancing. The Super Bowl has also seen its share of complaints, including a letter from 17 Republican lawmakers criticizing Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s performance in 2020 for its provocative elements.
In 2004, Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” during the halftime show sparked widespread outrage among viewers. Ogles noted that while Bad Bunny’s performance was primarily in Spanish, the sexual content was evident regardless of language.
Critics have interpreted Bad Bunny’s performance as a statement against President Trump’s immigration policies. A review highlighted that the rapper aimed to showcase the vibrancy of his culture. “Would you rather be here shaking multicultural booty with Bad Bunny, or watching a bunch of bitter country bores in a miserable Texan bar?” questioned one reviewer.
Ogles, however, seems to prefer the latter and has urged the Energy and Commerce Committee to investigate what knowledge the NFL and NBCUniversal had regarding the explicit nature of the songs chosen for the show. He also called for an examination of translation processes, broadcast safety protocols, and broader implications for accountability in broadcasting.
