During the recent Super Bowl halftime show, a moment involving Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny led to widespread speculation on social media regarding the identity of a young boy he presented with a Grammy Award. Many users believed the child was Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old boy who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota earlier this year.
In the performance, Bad Bunny handed a Grammy to the boy, who held a sign that read, “Cree siempre en ti,” meaning “always believe in yourself.” This heartfelt gesture prompted reactions online, with one user expressing surprise at the supposed connection, stating, “BENITO GAVE HIS GRAMMY TO LIAM RAMOS?”
However, a publicist for Bad Bunny clarified to NPR Music that the child was not Conejo Ramos but rather a child actor named Lincoln Fox. This confirmation was later supported by People Magazine, which identified Fox as the young performer in question.
Political Reaction to the Halftime Show
The halftime show did not go unnoticed by former President Donald Trump, who criticized it on his platform, Truth Social. He described it as “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” Trump lamented that the performance did not represent “the greatness of America” and argued that the content was inappropriate for young audiences.
In his post, Trump claimed, “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A. and all over the World.” This critique reflects ongoing tensions surrounding cultural representation and entertainment standards in the United States.
Context on Immigration and Detention
Earlier this year, the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos by ICE sparked protests and public outrage. Following his father’s arrest in Minneapolis, federal officials allowed the child to remain with his father to prevent family separation. The Department of Homeland Security noted, “Parents are asked if they want to be removed with their children, or ICE will place the children with a safe person the parent designates.”
Protests against ICE have intensified across the United States, particularly in Minnesota, where demonstrations escalated after two protesters were fatally shot in January while voicing their opposition to immigration policies. The FBI is currently investigating these incidents.
As the conversation continues around immigration and cultural representation, the impact of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance remains a focal point in discussions about identity and awareness in contemporary society.
