Megyn Kelly's Explosive Super Bowl Halftime Rant Labeled 'Unhinged' and Xenophobic
Megyn Kelly's recent tirade against Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many online observers and academics branding her behavior as "unhinged" and rooted in xenophobia. The controversy erupted during her appearance on "Piers Morgan Uncensored," where Kelly unleashed her frustration over the Puerto Rican global superstar headlining the show.
A 'Middle Finger to America'
Kelly argued that Bad Bunny performing in Spanish was a deliberate affront, stating, "This is supposed to be a unifying event for the country. Not for the Latinos," while emphasizing the word "Latinos" in a derogatory tone. She expanded her critique, saying, "We don't need a Black national anthem. We don't need a Spanish-speaking, non-English performer, and we don't need an ICE or America-hater featured as our primetime entertainment."
The discussion escalated into a debate about English as America's official language, with Kelly acknowledging past efforts to formalize it, referencing a symbolic executive order by former President Donald Trump. She then directed inflammatory remarks at Morgan, claiming, "This attitude that you have right here is why you and Great Britain have lost your culture," before launching into Islamophobic and xenophobic rhetoric about radical Muslims.
Kelly tied her views to political sentiment, asserting, "We're not allowing that here. Whether it's Hispanic, whether it's Muslim, it's not happening in the United States of America — that's why President Trump was elected." She insisted that American football and its halftime show should remain "quintessentially American."
Widespread Backlash and Academic Analysis
Kelly is not alone in her outrage; MAGA supporters have expressed fury over the halftime show, which included surprise guests Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga. However, social media reactions have largely condemned Kelly's intensity. Users on X described her rage as "odd," "unhinged," and "hateful," with some recalling past incidents like her "SANTA IS WHITE" outburst.
Kari J. Winter, a professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, provided a sharp analysis, questioning the motives behind Kelly's "unhinged rage." She noted, "In a media ecosystem that rewards unhinged rage, it is impossible to know if podcasters like Megyn Kelly are psychologically unraveling or are simply ramping up the volume of their offensive performances."
Winter likened Kelly's rants to "a B-movie melodrama starring an overwrought actor," calling each outburst a "crazy spectacle." She pondered whether Kelly lacks concern for real issues like climate change or is merely a "distracting sideshow" meant to immerse audiences in hate. Emphasizing Bad Bunny's message of love and unity, Winter said, "While he sings in the beautiful, sensual language of Spanish, his meaning is universal, profound, and exuberantly joyful."
The Underlying Fear of Emptiness
Winter offered a theory for the MAGA movement's fixation on the halftime show, asking, "If Megyn Kelly and other MAGA folks gave up their rage and fear, what would they have left?" She suggested, "I suspect that the prospect of looking into the emptiness of their own souls is too terrifying for them to contemplate."
This incident highlights ongoing cultural tensions in America, with Kelly's comments reflecting broader debates about language, identity, and inclusivity. As Bad Bunny's performance celebrated diversity, the backlash underscores the polarized reactions to such expressions in mainstream events.
