Quick Read
- U.S. Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) demanded an FCC probe into Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show.
- Fine called the performance “vulgar, indecent, and offensive.”
- FCC’s initial review found the show’s explicit lyrics were scrubbed, and the agency is shelving further scrutiny.
- Fact-checking by Snopes confirmed Bad Bunny avoided profanity during the performance.
- Critics question Fine’s accuracy and selective outrage, citing previous Super Bowl shows with profanity.
WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – U.S. Representative Randy Fine (R-FL), who took office in April 2025, has escalated his combative political approach to the federal stage by demanding a federal investigation into Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime performance. Fine’s call for a probe by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stems from his assertion that the show was “vulgar, indecent, and offensive,” a stance that has drawn immediate scrutiny given conflicting reports about the performance’s content and the FCC’s own preliminary findings.
U.S. Rep. Fine Calls for FCC Investigation into Bad Bunny Show
Representative Fine, who previously served nine years in the Florida Legislature and was noted for his frequent clashes with local officials, sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. In his communication, Fine explicitly called for a probe into the Super Bowl Halftime broadcast, expressing strong disapproval of the content. He joined other Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Mark Alford (R-Miss.), who also voiced concerns and pushed for a Congressional investigation into the NFL and NBC.
Rep. Ogles was quoted stating, “People like Bad Bunny, Raunchy Rabbit, you need to understand being here is a privilege. I understand you’re from Puerto Rico, but being here is a privilege and you have been successful because of the greatness of this nation, not because of this kind of crap.” Rep. Alford added, “They’re trying to attract more of a Latin America audience and this is what they deliver.” These remarks suggest a broader political narrative regarding the NFL’s choices for the halftime show.
Fact-Checking the Bad Bunny Performance
Despite the strong condemnations from some lawmakers, reports from ‘On The Money,’ a column in the New York Post, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter, indicated that the FCC had already scrutinized the performance for potential violations. The initial findings suggested that the act and songs were deliberately scrubbed of lyrics that typically include references to sex acts and genitalia. Had these elements not been censored, they would have likely violated FCC rules prohibiting indecent material and offensive language on public airwaves.
Furthermore, Snopes, a prominent fact-checking website, conducted an analysis of the performance’s lyrics. Their findings revealed that while Bad Bunny’s original songs often contain profanity, during the Super Bowl show, he either mumbled, substituted words, or remained silent during lines that would have otherwise included explicit language. This factual assessment directly challenges the premise of the complaints lodged by Representative Fine and his colleagues.
Wider Political Repercussions and Randy Fine’s Stance
The controversy surrounding the halftime show and the subsequent calls for investigation have prompted criticism regarding the accuracy of the lawmakers’ claims. Vicki Hoffmann, a resident of the Village of Tamarind Grove, publicly questioned Representative Fine’s actions, stating that he “blindly joins GOP hysteria about Bad Bunny.” Hoffmann further highlighted a perceived inconsistency, noting that Fine did not object to the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, which featured several rappers using profanity and racial slurs.
The New York Post column also reported that the FCC is reportedly shelving further scrutiny into the Bad Bunny performance, barring any new evidence. This suggests that the federal agency found no actionable violations after its initial review.
While Bad Bunny, the NFL, and NBC have not yet issued public comments on the calls for investigation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly defended the league’s selection of Bad Bunny, emphasizing the artist’s ability to unite diverse audiences.
U.S. Representative Randy Fine’s swift action to demand an FCC probe into the Super Bowl Halftime show, despite evidence suggesting the performance was censored and the FCC’s decision to halt further scrutiny, underscores his established combative political style as he navigates his new federal role. This incident highlights a willingness to engage in high-profile cultural debates, consistent with his history of confronting issues with assertive demands for accountability.