After the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, a wave of speculation erupted on social media regarding a child he presented with a Grammy Award. Many users believed that the boy was Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old who had recently been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota.
During the performance, Bad Bunny handed a Grammy to a child, with the inscription “Cree siempre en ti,” translating to “always believe in yourself.” This moment resonated with many viewers, leading to emotional reactions online. One user expressed confusion and excitement, stating, “BENITO GAVE HIS GRAMMY TO LIAM RAMOS? I didn’t even realize that was him. MY HEART.”
However, a representative for Bad Bunny clarified to NPR Music that the child was not Liam Conejo Ramos, but rather a child actor named Lincoln Fox. This confirmation was also supported by People Magazine, which verified the identity of the child actor.
Political Reactions to the Performance
The halftime show did not escape criticism. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his disdain, labeling the performance as “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” He further stated that it was “an affront to the Greatness of America” and claimed that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.” Trump criticized the dancing, describing it as “disgusting,” particularly for young viewers.
Earlier this year, Liam Conejo Ramos was detained by ICE, which sparked significant protests and outrage across the nation. Federal officials reported that he was allowed to remain with his father after the latter was arrested in Minneapolis, as a measure to prevent family separation. The Department of Homeland Security noted on X that parents have the option to either be removed with their children or designate a safe individual to take care of them.
Protests and Immigration Policies
Protests against ICE have intensified across the United States, fueled by ongoing immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. The state has seen heightened tensions, especially following incidents in January where two protesters were fatally shot while demonstrating against the immigration policies enacted during Trump’s presidency. The FBI is currently investigating these events.
The contrasting narratives surrounding Bad Bunny’s halftime show and the ongoing immigration debate underscore the complexities of public perception and the social issues at play. As discussions continue, both the entertainment and political landscapes remain deeply intertwined, reflecting broader societal concerns.
