Bethenny Frankel has publicly defended Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, applauding the artist for expressing his Puerto Rican heritage on one of the world’s largest stages. Her comments come amid a flurry of reactions from other celebrities, highlighting the performance’s cultural significance and the polarized opinions it has sparked.
Frankel shared her perspective via an Instagram Reel on Monday, February 9, 2026, stating that Bad Bunny is “an artist expressing himself, his music and his experience as a Puerto Rican man in America.” She drew parallels to other genres, noting that all musicians share their cultural backgrounds through their work. This defense was aimed at countering criticism that the show was overly political or inappropriate.
The halftime performance itself took place on Sunday, February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, transformed the stage into a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, featuring elements like traditional dance, references to local cuisine, and agricultural motifs. Surprise guests including Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Karol G joined the spectacle, with Gaga notably wearing the blue color of the Puerto Rican flag.
However, not all feedback was positive. Chris Brown took to Instagram Stories shortly after the show to imply that he could have delivered a better performance, while Jake Paul criticized Bad Bunny on X, calling him “a fake American citizen” and advising followers not to watch. In response, Jake’s brother Logan Paul defended the show, emphasizing that Puerto Ricans are Americans and deserve recognition.
The controversy extended to Frankel’s former “Real Housewives of New York” costar Jill Zarin, who in a since-deleted video labeled the halftime show “the worst ever” and objected to the Spanish lyrics and gestures. Zarin’s comments sparked further debate, with Andy Cohen addressing the issue on his SiriusXM show, though he remained neutral on the matter.
Bad Bunny’s performance was rich with symbolism, intended to highlight Puerto Rico’s history and contributions. From the opening declaration “Qué rico es ser latino” to the intricate staging, the show aimed to foster pride and visibility. Despite the backlash, it was widely covered and discussed, underscoring its impact on popular culture.
This episode reflects broader discussions about representation and artistic freedom in entertainment. Frankel’s intervention adds a voice to the conversation, suggesting that such expressions are vital for diversity. As debates continue, the response may influence how future Super Bowl events approach cultural inclusivity.
