Bad Bunny sparked controversy by remaining seated during “God Bless America” at a New York Yankees game, but sports superfan Marlins Man has defended his actions, stating that the artist did nothing wrong and had valid reasons for his decision.
During Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 17, 2025, global music star Bad Bunny chose to remain seated while other attendees stood for the playing of “God Bless America.” This action quickly drew criticism from some fans and observers who interpreted it as a sign of disrespect, fueling online debates and media coverage. The incident occurred during a high-profile playoff game, amplifying its visibility and leading to widespread discussion about patriotism and celebrity behavior in public settings.
Laurence Leavy, widely known as “Marlins Man” for his distinctive orange attire at baseball games, was seated near Bad Bunny and witnessed the event firsthand. Leavy recounted that he advised Bad Bunny to stand to avoid negative attention, but the artist’s handler provided an explanation for his seated position. According to Leavy’s accounts to both the New York Post and TMZ, Bad Bunny himself remained quiet, frequently on his phone, and arrived late to the game, which may have contributed to the timing of the controversy. Leavy emphasized that he initially tried to intervene to prevent backlash, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the stadium.
The handler cited reasons related to former President Donald Trump’s comments, including a reference to Bad Bunny’s “Saturday Night Live” monologue where he joked about Americans needing time to learn Spanish before the Super Bowl. This connection to the ongoing debate over his halftime performance fueled the explanation, with the handler noting that Bad Bunny was upset over Trump’s suggestion that the Super Bowl should feature an American country singer instead. The artist’s team also pointed out that Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s homeland, is part of the United States, adding a layer of cultural and political context to the incident.
Public reaction was swift, with some fans and media outlets criticizing Bad Bunny for perceived disrespect, while others defended his right to sit as a matter of personal freedom. Marlins Man emphasized in multiple interviews that there is no law requiring standing during “God Bless America” and that the controversy was overblown. He described the incident as bad timing rather than a deliberate political statement, noting that Bad Bunny left early, possibly to avoid further scrutiny. This defense aimed to contextualize the event within broader discussions about individual rights and the pressures faced by public figures.
The broader context includes Trump’s vocal opposition to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl role, which has sparked petitions and discussions about cultural representation in major events. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has also faced issues like concerns over ICE targeting his tour stops, adding layers to his public persona and the complexities of his career. These elements illustrate how the controversy intersects with larger societal debates on immigration, identity, and the role of artists in national ceremonies. The incident has reignited conversations about how celebrities navigate political landscapes and the expectations placed upon them.
Marlins Man’s defense highlights a divide in public opinion, where some see the incident as a matter of personal freedom, while others view it through a lens of patriotism. As Bad Bunny prepares for his world tour and the Super Bowl, this event may influence how his actions are perceived moving forward, with implications for celebrity culture and free expression. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the challenges faced by high-profile individuals in balancing personal beliefs with public expectations, and it may shape future discussions on artistic integrity and national symbols. Ultimately, the controversy serves as a reminder of the power of media narratives and the importance of context in interpreting public behavior.