Social media has been buzzing with news that Carlos Santana condemned the NFL’s decision to book Bad Bunny as Super Bowl 2026’s halftime performer, and that he has even offered to take the “I Like It” singer’s place. But the 10-time Grammy winner is setting the record straight and slamming such claims. The legendary guitarist issued a statement blaming the “totally false” story on “internet trolls.” “I congratulate and celebrate Bad Bunny’s success and his position right now with the world and with the Super Bowl,” Santana said, adding that he feels a kinship with the 31-year-old, “because we are here to utilize art to complement and bring the world closer to harmony and oneness.” MAGA leaders grew angry following the announcement of Bad Bunny as Super Bowl LX’s headliner, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem threatening that “We’ll be all over that place” and warning would-be attendees: “You shouldn’t be coming to the Super Bowl unless you are a law-abiding American citizen.” While Santana didn’t address the political backlash specifically, he did comment on today’s climate: “We’re living in a time of fear, division, separation, superiority and inferiority,” said the 78-year-old. “Fear is the flavor right now. Fear is what motivates ignorant people to put words in my mouth—saying that I didn’t want Bad Bunny to be represented at the Super Bowl. I never said that, nor would I ever.” Santana also denied claims that he has been petitioning to replace the rapper: “Just to be clear, my heart is in total harmony with Bad Bunny.”
Read it at Rolling Stone
