John Oliver’s Defense of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance
In a recent episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver tackled two major topics: the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and the ongoing ICE raids in the U.S. Oliver’s praise for the Puerto Rican superstar and his sharp criticism of immigration policies highlighted the duality of American culture.
Addressing the backlash against Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance, Oliver didn’t hold back. He called the artist “one of the hottest, most commercially successful people alive,” emphasizing Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking achievements, such as being the first Latin artist to headline the Super Bowl and the first non-English-language performer to top the Billboard 200 multiple times.
“If you’re upset about Bad Bunny performing in Spanish at the Super Bowl, maybe the problem isn’t with him—it’s with you,” Oliver joked. He also pointed out the absurdity of criticizing a performance in Spanish in a country with a significant Spanish-speaking population.
Oliver’s Condemnation of ICE Raids
The show took a darker turn as Oliver shifted focus to the recent ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants. Describing these operations as “nauseating,” he criticized the Biden administration for continuing policies reminiscent of the Trump era, despite promises of a more humane approach.
“We’re talking about people who are contributing to their communities, working jobs that keep this country running, and yet they’re treated like criminals,” Oliver said. He highlighted the systemic issues within the U.S. immigration system, including the lack of a pathway to citizenship and the inhumane conditions in detention centers.
A Call to Action
Oliver ended the segment by urging viewers to support organizations advocating for immigrant rights and to hold elected officials accountable. His juxtaposition of Bad Bunny’s celebratory performance with the harsh realities of ICE raids underscored the need for meaningful action to address systemic injustices.
