FCC responds after outrage over Bad Bunny’s halftime show.
The Federal Communications Commission has reportedly rejected demands from some Republican lawmakers who wanted an investigation into Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
Some lawmakers were already worried before the singer performed at Super Bowl LX. After the show, a few members of Congress criticized the performance again and asked the FCC to take action. They said the show may have broken rules and showed content that was not suitable for children.
But according to a New York Post report, the FCC found no broadcast violations after a brief review. A source told the outlet that the agency “shelved any additional scrutiny barring further evidence.” That decision appears to close the matter, at least for now.
Lawmakers Call For Inquiry, FCC Sees No Violation
Rep. Randy Fine, who represents Florida’s 6th District, publicly called on the FCC to investigate. He claimed the “disgusting halftime show was illegal” and shared translated lyrics from the song “Safaera” to back up his argument.
Critics quickly got an important point. TV broadcasters changed some lyrics during the live show. Artists who perform on national television usually agree to remove explicit words. Bad Bunny followed those normal rules during his performance.
Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee’s 5th District also voiced outrage. He said, “Children were forced to endure gay sexual acts, women gyrating provocatively, and Bad Bunny shamelessly grabbing his crotch while dry-humping the air.” Ogles called for a “formal congressional inquiry” into the performance.
The FCC did not have the same concerns. According to the New York Post’s source, the halftime show “was scrubbed of lyrics that normally include references to sex acts and genitalia.” The source added that the agency found no violations in the act or the songs he performed.
Bad Bunny being chosen for the halftime show upset some critics. They did not like that the NFL picked an artist who mainly performs in Spanish. Turning Point USA also reacted by hosting its own halftime event featuring Kid Rock to take advantage of the criticism.
However, reports suggest regulators do not believe the broadcast broke any laws. Lawmakers in Congress could still review the issue if they want. For now, officials appear ready to move forward.
