Alix Earle's cameo during Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show explained amid backlash

Alix Earle’s appearance during Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show prompted widespread discussion, with viewers questioning the connection between the TikTok star and the Grammy-winning performer.

Bad Bunny headlined the halftime show on Sunday, February 8, during the Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Earle appeared on the La Casita set dancing alongside celebrities including Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba and Karol G as Bad Bunny performed a medley of his hits.

According to the speculation, Bad Bunny and Earle are both connected to hospitality mogul David Grutman. Grutman co-owns the Miami restaurant Gekko with Bad Bunny and is also an executive producer on Earle’s forthcoming Netflix reality series. He was seen dancing alongside Earle and others during the halftime performance.

Earle later commented on the experience through TikTok Stories, sharing her perspective following the backlash. “It was such an honor to experience such a special and powerful performance,” she wrote, referencing the message displayed at the end of the show, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” She also posted behind-the-scenes footage captioned, “Bad Bunny on [top]!! I’m still shaking.”

Criticism continued in the comments, with one user writing, “You’ve never once used your platform and voice for the messages Bad Bunny sends.” Earle responded directly, stating, “I have and being invited to do this was such an incredible experience and so special.”

Bad Bunny concluded his performance with the message “Together, we are America,” reinforcing themes of unity. Earle, meanwhile, is preparing for the release of her untitled Netflix reality series later this year.