Joe Gorga Faces Backlash After Criticizing Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Reality TV star Joe Gorga, best known for his role on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is facing intense criticism after publicly attacking the NFL’s decision to have Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

Gorga, 45, drew backlash online after suggesting that performers who “don’t sing in English” should not be allowed on “one of America’s biggest stages.” His remarks came in response to a viral post by conservative commentator Benny Johnson, who criticized Bad Bunny’s political stances and language choice.

The Controversial Tweet

On Sunday, Johnson wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Bad Bunny is a massive Trump hater, an anti-ICE activist, and has no songs in English. He even canceled his entire U.S. tour once because, quote, ‘F***ing ICE could be outside my concert.’ The NFL is self-destructing year after year.”

Hours later, Gorga reposted Johnson’s message with his own commentary:

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

The tweet went viral within hours, sparking outrage across social media and quickly trending under #JoeGorga and #BadBunny. Fans accused Gorga of xenophobia, ignorance, and hypocrisy.

Social Media Erupts

Thousands of users fired back at Gorga, pointing out that the United States has no official language and that Spanish is spoken by more than 41 million Americans.

One user wrote:

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

Another added:

“You were fine watching Shakira and J.Lo at the Super Bowl, but Bad Bunny is suddenly a problem? Sounds like a you problem, Joe.”

Some even mocked Gorga’s reality TV fame.

“What are you gonna do, Joe? Build another house you can’t finish?” one fan joked, referencing Gorga’s storyline on RHONJ.

The backlash was swift and widespread, with many fans calling for Bravo to distance itself from the reality star.

Gorga’s History of Controversy

This is not the first time Joe Gorga has found himself in hot water. The reality TV personality — known for his fiery temper and outspoken nature — has previously sparked debates over comments made on The Real Housewives of New Jersey and in interviews.

He often portrays himself as a “traditional family man,” a persona that resonates with many of his fans but also draws criticism for what some see as outdated views. His latest comments, critics say, fit a pattern of tone-deaf statements that ignore the multicultural nature of modern America.

Entertainment journalist Lisa Montoya told Variety:

“Joe Gorga is a reality star who built his fame on being loud and opinionated. That may work on Bravo, but when you make comments about culture and language, the audience changes — and the backlash is a lot louder.”

Bad Bunny’s Upcoming Super Bowl Performance

Bad Bunny, whose full name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was announced Sunday as the headline act for Super Bowl LX, which will take place in February 2026.

The global music icon — known for his reggaeton and Latin trap hits such as “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Dákiti” — confirmed that his performance will be “entirely in Spanish.”

In a statement shared to his 45 million Instagram followers, the artist said:

“This performance will be for everyone — a celebration of music, culture, and unity.”

Bad Bunny has previously expressed reluctance to perform in the U.S. due to immigration enforcement policies, but said he accepted the Super Bowl invitation after “reflecting on what it means for my people to be represented on the biggest stage.”

Public and Celebrity Reactions

Gorga’s remarks didn’t just attract criticism from fans — several public figures also chimed in.

TV host Andy Cohen, who oversees the Real Housewives franchise, subtly addressed the controversy on his radio show Monday morning, saying:

“I think we all need to remember the Super Bowl is for everyone — and music is universal.”

Latino entertainers were more direct. Actress Roselyn Sánchez tweeted:

“Joe Gorga should probably learn that America’s greatness comes from its diversity, not its fear of it.”

Others urged Gorga to apologize and use the moment as a learning opportunity.

Bravo and the NFL Remain Silent

As of Tuesday morning, neither Bravo nor the NFL had issued statements about Gorga’s comments. Representatives for The Real Housewives of New Jersey declined to comment when reached by reporters.

However, industry insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that Bravo executives are “monitoring the situation closely,” noting that past controversies involving cast members have sometimes led to temporary suspensions or public reprimands.

“The network doesn’t want to be associated with anything that could be interpreted as discriminatory or intolerant,” one insider said.

A Broader Cultural Debate

Gorga’s remarks have reignited discussions about representation in American entertainment — particularly regarding the Super Bowl halftime show.

Over the past decade, the NFL has sought to make the event more inclusive and globally appealing, featuring artists such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Dr. Dre, and Rihanna. Each performance has brought a different cultural influence, reflecting the diversity of modern America.

Cultural analyst Dr. Angela Ruiz explained:

“When you have 100 million people watching, you’re not just entertaining — you’re sending a message about who America is. Having Bad Bunny headline is symbolic. He represents a growing, younger audience that speaks multiple languages and embraces cultural fusion.”

The Aftermath

By Monday evening, Joe Gorga had not deleted his post nor issued any apology. His silence has only fueled further criticism online.

Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s fanbase appears more energized than ever. Sales of his merchandise reportedly spiked in the hours after the announcement, and his tweet about performing “in Spanish, for everyone” was shared more than a million times.

As one viral comment put it:

“Joe Gorga complained. Bad Bunny booked the Super Bowl. We know who’s winning this one.”

Conclusion

Joe Gorga’s attempt to insert himself into the cultural debate over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has backfired spectacularly. What he likely intended as a passing opinion has now become a full-blown controversy — one that highlights the cultural divide between old-school celebrity thinking and the inclusive, global reality of today’s entertainment world.

Whether Gorga apologizes or doubles down, one thing is clear: Bad Bunny’s performance is already making history — and headlines — months before kickoff.