HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – As Bad Bunny prepares for his halftime performance, Connecticut’s Puerto Rican community is rallying behind the artist they view as a symbol of pride and representation.

The Puerto Rican performer’s selection as this year’s halftime act has generated both excitement and controversy, with some viewing the choice as divisive.

However, local Latino leaders say the performance represents a significant moment for their community.

Fernando Betancourt, executive director of the San Juan Center, the oldest Latino non-profit in Connecticut, said Bad Bunny has become a constant topic of conversation.

“That’s the topic of conversation for every Puerto Rican family. It’s constant. Every program in Puerto Rico, radio, TV, it’s constant,” Betancourt said.

Connecticut is home to about 285,000 Puerto Ricans, according to CTData.org. In 2024, Puerto Ricans made up about 8% of the state’s population.

Betancourt said Bad Bunny represents more than just entertainment for the community.

“Bad Bunny, in this particular juncture and particular point in history, is our pride, is our banner, to show the world,” he said.

The executive director praised not only the artist’s music but also his activism.

Bad Bunny recently spoke out against ICE while accepting an award at the Grammy Awards.

“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we’re humans and we are Americans,” Bad Bunny said during his Grammy acceptance speech.

The announcement of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance has drawn criticism from some quarters.

President Donald Trump said he won’t attend Sunday’s game in part because Bad Bunny will be performing.

Betancourt said the opposition reflects a double standard.

“You don’t see that opposition by a sector of the population in the United States if Kendrick Lamar, or Justin Timberlake or Paul McCartney are performing at the Super Bowl. It just so happens that it is Bad Bunny,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Betancourt plans to focus on the positive aspects of the performance.

“This is about dignity, appreciation of art and respect. That’s the message,” he said.

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