Bad Bunny recently faced criticism after being spotted sitting during the performance of “God Bless America” at Yankee Stadium during Game 3 of the American League Division Series. The Puerto Rican superstar, who is set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, was seen remaining seated as the song played. This moment that quickly went viral and sparked debate online about patriotism and respect.
However, baseball superfan Laurence Leavy, better known as “Marlins Man,” defended Bad Bunny and urged fans not to overreact. Leavy, who was seated right next to the artist, explained that the situation was misunderstood and not meant as any form of protest.
According to Man, he had encouraged Bad Bunny and his group to stand, but they had their own reasons for staying seated at that moment. He clarified that the decision was not political or disrespectful, but simply a matter of timing and circumstance. His comments have helped provide more context to the viral moment, offering a calmer perspective amid the heated online backlash.
Marlins Man Defends Bad Bunny After Latest Yankee Game Incident
Laurence Leavy, better known as Marlins Man, told the Daily Mail that Bad Bunny had every right to remain seated during “God Bless America” and wasn’t breaking any laws by doing so. Leavy expressed frustration over the backlash aimed at the artist, saying people were being too harsh in their criticism.
“I noticed he is sitting down and I take my hat off, I have my hand on my chest. They’re sitting down and I said, ‘Dude, you guys have got to get up. They’ll give you a lot of c**p if you sit down,’” Leavy recalled.
He went on to explain that Bad Bunny’s handler offered a political reason for the decision, referencing President Donald Trump’s recent comments. Trump had criticized Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show appearance, suggesting that an American country singer should have been chosen instead.
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Man described Bad Bunny as keeping to himself during the game, arriving late, leaving early, and staying on his phone. He noted that while the optics were not ideal, especially since the Puerto Rican star was in disguise and sitting right beside Leavy, who was wearing his trademark orange visor. Moreover, the situation seemed more like bad luck than a deliberate political statement.
Leavy said Bad Bunny is “a nice guy” who simply chose not to stand, which he emphasized as his right since there is no law requiring attendees to stand during “God Bless America.” He also noted that, apart from the incident, the petition to replace Bad Bunny for the upcoming Super Bowl has attracted widespread attention.
Petition Demands George Strait To Replace Bad Bunny At 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show
Bad Bunny has become the center of controversy after being announced as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. In response, a petition launched on October 1 has already garnered over 30,000 signatures, calling for country music legend George Strait to replace him.
The petition argues that the halftime show should celebrate American culture, unite the country, and provide family-friendly entertainment. Moreover, the petition alleged that these values are something that Bad Bunny does not represent.
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The petition, launched by Virginia resident Kar Shell, criticizes Bad Bunny’s performances and style, claiming they conflict with traditional family values and American culture. Shell argued that George Strait, known as the “King of Country,” better represents unity, tradition, and timeless American music, making him a more suitable choice for the halftime show.
Bunny’s selection has drawn widespread criticism from conservative circles, including political figures such as President Donald Trump, who called the decision “absolutely ridiculous.”
Conservative commentator Marjorie Taylor Greene also voiced disapproval, particularly of Bad Bunny’s planned Spanish-language performance, calling it “perverse” and “unwanted,” while promoting legislation to make English the official language of the United States.
Critics have additionally targeted the artist’s outspoken political stances on issues including immigration, Puerto Rican identity, and LGBTQIA+ rights, fueling ongoing debate over his role in the high-profile event.
