After backlash over his Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny tells critics they have “four months to learn Spanish” in bold SNL monologue
Bad Bunny is never one to back down from controversy, and this weekend he proved it once again. During his Saturday Night Live monologue on October 4, the Puerto Rican superstar directly addressed the criticism surrounding his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show — and his message was loud and clear. “If you didn’t understand what I just said,” he told the audience with a smirk, “you have four months to learn.”
The comment came after weeks of backlash from some commentators who questioned why the 2026 Super Bowl headliner would choose to perform primarily in Spanish. Rather than apologize or change direction, Bad Bunny leaned into the criticism, turning it into a defining statement of pride. His words — part joke, part challenge — instantly went viral across social media, reigniting debate about language, culture, and identity in American entertainment.
In the same monologue, Bad Bunny mixed humor with defiance, calling out conservative media outlets that have mocked his music and style. “I’m very happy, and I think everyone is happy about it — even Fox News,” he joked, as SNL cut to a montage of edited clips showing anchors seemingly praising him. The crowd roared with laughter, but beneath the jokes, the moment felt pointed. It wasn’t just about music — it was about representation.
Switching briefly into Spanish, he told the audience, “Our footprints and contributions in this country… no one will ever be able to take that away.” It was a message meant not only for his critics but for millions of Latino fans who have watched him rise to global stardom while staying true to his roots.
Bad Bunny’s comments followed a week of headlines claiming that some viewers felt “excluded” by his decision to perform in Spanish at one of America’s biggest cultural events. But for many fans, his stance was about inclusion — a reminder that Spanish is already one of the most spoken languages in the United States and that Latino artists shouldn’t have to translate their art to be understood.
The debate highlights a broader cultural divide that’s been growing for years. As America becomes more multilingual and diverse, artists like Bad Bunny are redefining what mainstream entertainment looks and sounds like. His refusal to cater to one audience reflects his broader message of authenticity and pride. To him, music transcends language — and if that means some people need to “learn Spanish,” he sees that as an opportunity, not an insult.
Public reaction to the monologue has been split. Critics have accused him of arrogance, while supporters see him as a symbol of unapologetic self-expression. Prominent Latino voices on social media praised him for representing their culture on a stage as massive as the Super Bowl. “He’s not just performing,” one fan wrote. “He’s showing the world who we are.”
As the countdown to the Super Bowl continues, all eyes are now on what Bad Bunny will do next. Will his halftime show stay entirely in Spanish, or will he mix languages to bridge the cultural gap? Whatever he chooses, one thing is certain — he’s not backing down from being himself.
Bad Bunny has made it clear that his art isn’t up for translation. His message is simple: if you want to understand it, open your mind — and maybe learn a few words along the way.
