Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show was designed as a bold celebration of Puerto Rican pride, Latin culture, and political identity. The stage at Levi’s Stadium transformed into a colorful tribute to the island, complete with a replica casita and a lineup of high-profile Latino stars. But when cameras briefly cut to influencer Alix Earle swaying on stage, social media immediately erupted—and the focus shifted from the performance to her presence.
Earle, 24, is best known for her viral “get ready with me” TikToks and glossy Hamptons lifestyle content. Her appearance during a performance so deeply rooted in Puerto Rican symbolism struck some viewers as jarring. Critics questioned why she was featured at all, with many pointing to her family’s reported conservative political ties and resurfaced social media posts from her early teens that sparked controversy in 2024. Though she previously issued a public apology, the backlash reignited almost instantly.
Online reactions ranged from confusion to outright anger. Some users claimed her cameo clashed with the cultural and political tone of Bad Bunny’s set, which included messaging about unity, identity, and Puerto Rico’s place in America. Others argued the outrage was overblown, suggesting that a brief on-stage appearance didn’t diminish the overall message. As with much of today’s pop culture discourse, the debate quickly split along ideological lines.
Fueling the speculation even further are persistent rumors linking Earle to Tom Brady. The two have been spotted at high-profile events, though neither has confirmed a relationship. Some online commenters suggested that Brady’s NFL connections may have played a role in her access to the stage, though there is no evidence supporting that claim. Still, in the age of viral narratives, perception often moves faster than fact.
The moment underscores how tightly entertainment, politics, and identity are intertwined—especially during the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched events in America. Bad Bunny’s performance aimed to spotlight Puerto Rican culture on a global platform. Instead, a few seconds of camera time for a polarizing influencer sparked its own culture clash.
In today’s digital spotlight, every appearance carries weight. For Earle, a brief dance on one of the biggest stages in sports became a lightning rod for criticism. For viewers, it became another reminder that in 2026, even halftime entertainment can ignite a national conversation.
