Bethenny Frankel praised Bad Bunny for showcasing his cultural identity during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. The Skinny Girl founder shared her perspective in an Instagram Reel, stating, “My take on Bad Bunny’s performance is that he’s an artist expressing himself, his music, and his experience as a Puerto Rican man in America.” Frankel, known for her role on “The Real Housewives of New York,” emphasized that musicians across genres use their artistry to reflect their backgrounds and cultures.
However, when Frankel posted similar content on TikTok, users accused her of initially criticizing the performance and then revising her stance. Comments included, “You better walk it back quick!” and demands to restore her original video. Others corrected her phrasing, noting Puerto Rico is part of the United States, making his identity as a “Puerto Rican man in America” technically redundant.
Bad Bunny’s halftime performance highlighted Puerto Rican culture through dance, food, and agricultural motifs. Surprise guest Lady Gaga reinforced the theme by wearing the iconic blue of Puerto Rico’s flag during her duet of “Die With a Smile.” Despite the celebratory tone, the show faced backlash from figures like Chris Brown, who hinted on Instagram that organizers “need me,” and Jake Paul, who discouraged viewers from tuning in and labeled Bad Bunny “a fake American citizen who publicly hates America.” Paul’s brother Logan disagreed, tweeting: “Puerto Ricans are Americans… I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the island’s talent.”