Bengals CEO Sparks Outrage After Criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance

CINCINNATI — The CEO of the Cincinnati Bengals, Mark Donovan, is facing widespread backlash after publicly condemning the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, saying that performers who “don’t sing in English” should not be allowed on what he called “America’s biggest stage.”

The controversy erupted on Sunday when Donovan replied to a post from conservative commentator Benny Johnson, who labeled Bad Bunny — born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — a “massive Trump hater,” “anti-ICE activist,” and someone with “no songs in English.”

Johnson’s viral post read:

“He even canceled his entire U.S. tour for this reason: ‘F***ing ICE could be outside my concert,’ he said at the time. The NFL is self-destructing year after year.”

In response, Donovan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Oh fun. 🙄 No songs in English should be allowed at one of America’s highest-rated television events of the year… not just for sports.”

Within hours, Donovan’s comments exploded online — drawing millions of views, tens of thousands of replies, and a storm of criticism accusing him of cultural intolerance and ignorance.

The NFL’s New Super Bowl Headliner

Bad Bunny, one of the most streamed artists in the world and a five-time Grammy winner, was officially announced Sunday as the Super Bowl LX halftime performer. The announcement marked the first time a fully Spanish-language artist would headline the event, which will be held in February 2026.

The Puerto Rican megastar confirmed on his own social media accounts that his performance would be “en español” and would showcase Latin music, culture, and dance. “This will be a show for everyone — a celebration of who we are and what we share,” he wrote.

Bad Bunny’s selection follows a series of efforts by the NFL to make the halftime show more inclusive and globally appealing. Recent years have seen headliners such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Dr. Dre, each bringing their own cultural influence to the event.

CEO’s Remarks Trigger Backlash

Donovan’s comments struck a nerve not just with fans but with many inside the NFL community. Critics accused the Bengals executive of alienating millions of Spanish-speaking fans in the U.S. and abroad.

One user wrote:

“You know America has no official language, right? You know 41 million Americans speak Spanish, right?”

Another posted sarcastically:

“At this point, just say you only want white country singers and call it a day.”

Even some Bengals fans expressed disappointment. “I’m a lifelong Bengals supporter, but this makes the whole organization look bad,” one fan replied. “Bad Bunny is huge. The NFL should be celebrating diversity, not tearing it down.”

Some, however, defended Donovan’s right to speak his mind. “He’s not racist,” one user argued. “He’s just saying that the Super Bowl should be an American show. There’s nothing wrong with that opinion.”

The Bengals organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but sources inside the league said the NFL’s communications office had reached out privately to address the issue.

Fallout Inside the NFL

Donovan’s post reportedly caused discomfort among NFL executives, who have been working to expand the league’s reach in Latin American markets. In recent years, the NFL has launched major initiatives in Mexico and Puerto Rico to attract new fans.

Sports media analyst Dan Abrams told ESPN:

“This isn’t just about one tweet — it’s about perception. The NFL has been positioning itself as inclusive and international. A high-ranking executive from one of its most visible teams publicly rejecting a Spanish-language artist sends the wrong message.”

The league is said to be “monitoring the situation,” though no disciplinary action has yet been announced.

Bad Bunny Responds Calmly

While he did not directly address Donovan by name, Bad Bunny seemed to respond to the controversy in a subtle social media post Monday evening.

“Music speaks every language,” he wrote in Spanish. “The stage is for everyone.”

The artist, who recently concluded a record-breaking residency in Puerto Rico, has been an outspoken advocate for Latino representation and social justice. His concerts have generated hundreds of millions of dollars for local economies, and his music videos regularly amass billions of views.

Bad Bunny previously expressed hesitation about performing in the United States, citing ICE enforcement and concerns for his immigrant fans. However, he agreed to the Super Bowl show after “discussions with his team” about the cultural importance of the opportunity.

Cultural Divide in Sports

The uproar over Donovan’s tweet reflects a broader cultural divide in American sports — one that mirrors tensions in society at large.

While the NFL remains one of the most-watched sporting leagues in the world, it has struggled to navigate political and cultural controversies, from player protests to halftime show debates.

“Executives should know better,” said Dr. Alicia Torres, a cultural sociologist at UCLA. “The Super Bowl halftime show is not just an American tradition — it’s a global broadcast. Embracing multiple languages and cultures is part of its evolution.”

Sponsors React

Some Bengals sponsors were reportedly blindsided by the CEO’s remarks. A spokesperson for one of the team’s corporate partners said in a statement:

“We support inclusivity and diversity across all platforms. We hope this incident encourages dialogue rather than division.”

Others remained silent, likely waiting to see how the controversy unfolds. Marketing experts say companies are increasingly wary of being associated with political or cultural controversies, especially those that trend online.

The Aftermath

By Monday afternoon, Donovan had limited comments on his post but had not deleted it. Calls for him to apologize — or even step down — began circulating under the hashtag #BoycottBengals, which trended briefly in the U.S.

Despite the backlash, some conservative commentators praised him for “standing up for American culture.” One outlet even dubbed him “the CEO who said what millions are thinking.”

As for the NFL, league officials reiterated their commitment to diversity and global reach, noting that the Super Bowl “belongs to everyone.”

Conclusion

What began as a short tweet has turned into a major PR storm for both the Bengals organization and the NFL. Donovan’s criticism of Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance has reopened debates about identity, language, and representation in American sports.

Whether the Bengals CEO chooses to walk back his comments or double down on them remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: come February 2026, when Bad Bunny takes the stage at Super Bowl LX, the world — and perhaps Donovan himself — will be watching.