If you thought the action on the field at Super Bowl LX was intense, you haven't checked TikTok lately. Reality TV veteran Bethenny Frankel has found herself at the center of a massive social media firestorm following Bad Bunny's Super Bowl 2026 Halftime performance. What started as a critique of the Puerto Rican superstar's culturally charged set has spiraled into a full-blown internet battle, complete with deleted videos, a "towel rant," and a divided fanbase picking sides between Team Bethenny and Team Bunny.
The Spark: Bad Bunny's Political Performance
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, global icon Bad Bunny took the stage for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. True to his reputation, the artist didn't just play the hits; he delivered a performance steeped in Puerto Rican pride and political commentary. Amidst the spectacle, the "King of Latin Trap" used the platform to highlight Puerto Rican identity, weaving in themes of resistance and cultural autonomy that have defined his recent work.
While millions celebrated the historic representation, Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel took to TikTok to voice her skepticism. In a now-deleted video, Frankel questioned whether major entertainment stages like the Super Bowl were the appropriate venue for "personal, cultural, political views."
The Flip-Flop: From Critique to "Express Yourself"
The backlash to Frankel's initial comments was swift and severe. Fans of the reggaeton star accused the Skinnygirl founder of being out of touch and dismissive of the cultural significance of the moment. Sensing the temperature in the room, Frankel quickly deleted her original critique and replaced it with a follow-up video that struck a drastically different tone.
In the second clip, Frankel praised the performance, calling it "inspirational" and noting that Bad Bunny was "a Puerto Rican man in America on the largest stage in the world." She even quoted Madonna, adding, "Express yourself." However, internet sleuths and Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026 viewers weren't buying the sudden change of heart, accusing her of backpedaling to save face.
The "Towel Rant": Bethenny Doubles Down
The drama reached a fever pitch on Thursday when Frankel posted a third video—this time, fresh out of the shower and wrapped in a towel. Addressing the Bethenny Frankel Bad Bunny drama head-on, she delivered a defiant monologue that has since gone viral.
"Unfollow me or cancel me," Frankel challenged her critics. In the heated clip, she defended her perspective, claiming that "no one has done more for Puerto Rico than I have"—a statement referencing her BStrong disaster relief efforts, but one that many users found tone-deaf in the context of silencing a Puerto Rican artist.
"Neither Woke Nor MAGA"
Frankel attempted to position herself as a voice of reason in a polarized landscape. "I'm neither woke nor MAGA," she declared, lamenting the division in the country. She argued that people should be able to have "uncomfortable conversations" without facing immediate cancellation. "If I said something that bothers you, let me know in a constructive way so I can change," she added, before warning, "If you just want to put me in the goddamn ground, wait for it, baby, 'cause I'm not going anywhere."
Collateral Damage: The Jill Zarin Incident
Frankel isn't the only reality star feeling the heat from the Super Bowl Halftime controversy. Her former RHONY co-star, Jill Zarin, reportedly faced even steeper consequences for her own critical comments regarding the performance. Reports surfaced this week that Zarin was fired from the upcoming E! series The Golden Life due to the backlash, highlighting just how sensitive the cultural climate has become regarding celebrity social media feuds.
Why This Feud Matters
This incident is more than just tabloid fodder; it highlights the growing tension between celebrity activism and audience expectations. Bad Bunny has long used his platform to advocate for Puerto Rico, supporting independence and criticizing local corruption. For many fans, his Super Bowl set was a necessary statement. For critics like Frankel, it was a breach of the "entertainment only" contract they expect from the NFL.
As the memes continue to circulate and the hashtags trend, the internet remains divided. Are you Team Bethenny, believing in a separation of politics and pop culture? Or are you Team Bunny, championing the right of artists to use every stage available to speak their truth?
