Bad Bunny caused quite a stir at the New York Yankees game on Tuesday night by choosing to remain seated during the performance of "God Bless America." While the majority of the crowd stood and joined in singing during the seventh-inning stretch, the Grammy-winning artist was photographed calmly seated among friends, watching the Bronx Bombers secure a 9-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
A live photo obtained by TMZ captured the moment when fans were singing the line "stand beside her and guide her," an early verse in the song. Yet, Bad Bunny's decision to stay seated stood out prominently against the backdrop of a crowd united by tradition.
This isn’t the first time the Puerto Rican star has found himself at the center of heated debate. His recent Super Bowl Halftime show announcement ignited controversy, partly due to his outspoken criticism of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and his choice to perform in Spanish rather than English, stoking discussions about cultural expression and political statements in entertainment.
Not everyone sees eye to eye on Bad Bunny’s actions and messaging. For instance, former President Donald Trump dismissed the singer in an interview with Newsmax’s Greg Kelly, claiming, "I've never heard of him. I don't know who he is." Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly suggested that Lee Greenwood, known for the patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA," might have been a more fitting choice for the Super Bowl Halftime show.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Does standing for a patriotic song truly reflect one's love for the country, or can acts of quiet dissent also be patriotic in their own right? And is it fair to judge an artist's cultural impact based on their stance during traditional ceremonies?
What do you think? Is Bad Bunny making a bold statement about identity and politics, or is he disrespecting a cherished tradition? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the many layers behind this moment at the ballpark.
