Bad Bunny remains in his seat as patriotic anthem is sung at Yankee Stadium
Bad Bunny remained seated during the “God Bless America” show at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 10, drawing political attention months before his scheduled Super Bowl halftime performance.
The Puerto Rican rapper and global chart-topper was spotted by baseball superfan Lawrence Levy, known as “The Marlins Man,” during the Yankees’ playoff game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Levy, who was sitting two seats away, posted about the moment on social media.
“Yes, ‘Bad Bunny’ was seated, not standing, during ‘God Bless America,'” Levy wrote. “I don’t agree with that, but as an American, he has the right to make that choice.”
Manager refuses request to appear in court
According to Levy, he approached the artist’s team during the competition and asked if Bad Bunny would consider doing a stand-up. The manager refused, citing political reasons.
“Trump got mad because he said he was Latinx and not American. He thought Trump didn’t know Puerto Rico was in the United States,” Levy recalled of the conversation in the post.
Despite their differences, Levy said the reggae star was respectful. “He was very kind and humble,” he added. “I wish him all the best.”
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So I would like to add that I asked his manager to get him up and he said no. Angry that Trump said he was Latino and not American. He thinks Trump doesn’t know Puerto Rico is in the U.S.
— Marlins_Man (@marlins_man) October 11, 2025
Trump criticizes Bad Bunny’s role in Super Bowl
The moment at Yankee Stadium comes as “Bad Bunny” is receiving criticism for his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. Former President Donald Trump commented on the booking in an interview with Newsmax, saying: “I’ve never heard of him, I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they would do it.”
The 31-year-old artist has been outspoken about his political views and previously changed his tour plans due to concerns related to immigration enforcement. In an interview with Variety, he explained why he skipped American cities during the tour.
“There’s a problem — like, f****** ICE could be outside (my concert),” he said. “It’s something we’re talking about and very concerned about.”
He suggested people could travel to Puerto Rico or other countries to see his show.
Conservative group plans alternative halftime show
The Super Bowl controversy sparked a response from the conservative group Turning Point America. The group announced it would host an “America Halftime Show” during the NFL Championship broadcast to promote “faith, family and freedom” as a counter-program to the Bad Bunny show.
Bad Bunny responded to the backlash during a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, saying he was “very excited” about the upcoming show.
His decision not to run during the “God Bless America” period furthers his ongoing efforts to highlight Puerto Rican identity and issues affecting the Latino community.
On October 10, the Yankees faced the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.