“I never heard of him.” The blunt line opened a culture flare-up after a Newsmax interview on Oct. 7, 2025, and the reaction has been immediate and messy. The comment targeted the NFL’s decision to tap a Spanish‑language artist announced on Sep. 28, 2025, and it prompted celebrity defenses, political threats and security talk. People coverage shows the moment has already reshaped the halftime conversation and raised stakes for February 2026. Is the Super Bowl about music, or is it about something much bigger this time?
What to know about the quote that exploded across feeds this week
- On Oct. 7, 2025 the actor delivered the quoted line on Newsmax; impact: national media firestorm.
- Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer on Sep. 28, 2025; backlash followed.
- Homeland Security discussion and ICE presence were raised, complicating preparations for Feb. 2026.
Which reactions escalated within days of the remark?
The line landed fast: conservative hosts amplified it, pop stars defended the pick, and pundits framed the moment as cultural proof for both sides. If you follow halftime chatter, this felt inevitable.
Fans answered with anger and humor, and the performer’s own social post leaned into the kerfuffle.
estuve pensando en estos días, y luego de hablarlo con mi equipo, creo que haré una sola fecha en Estados Unidos.
— Benito Antonio (@sanbenito) September 29, 2025
After the post, the pushback shifted from opinion pieces to real-world logistics – will stadium security and immigration enforcement now overshadow the show?
Why reactions split across politics and pop culture in 2025
Politics met entertainment here: some critics framed the pick as alienating, while many artists and Latino leaders called it overdue representation. The split shows how fast a cultural decision becomes a political test in 2025.
Short sentence for scanning.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez publicly urged calm, and Homeland Security voices signaled enforcement plans, turning a music announcement into a policy argument.
The numbers that show how quickly the backlash grew in 2025
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement date | Sep. 28, 2025 | Sparked initial fan debate |
| Quoted remark date | Oct. 7, 2025 | Media firestorm within days |
| Months until Super Bowl | 4 months | Compresses prep and security planning |
Who actually spoke these words and why it matters now
“I never heard of him,” said Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, during a Newsmax interview on Oct. 7, 2025. The line came after the NFL and producers announced the halftime artist on Sep. 28, 2025, and the president’s remark instantly nationalized the debate. This matters because a presidential remark can increase partisan pressure on venues, broadcasters and sponsors, and it shifts the story from entertainment to civic and security planning.
What will this remark mean for the Super Bowl and fans in 2025?
Expect louder security conversations and fewer neutral headlines as the game approaches; Feb. 2026 is now a deadline for calmer messaging. Will fans still come for the spectacle, or will politics drown the halftime show? The answer will shape how big cultural moments are booked and defended next year.
Sources
- https://people.com/trump-says-he-s-never-heard-of-bad-bunny-11825766
- https://people.com/ice-will-be-all-over-bad-bunny-s-super-bowl-halftime-show-kristi-noem-says-11824466
Similar posts:
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- Super Bowl 2026: Bad Bunny stays as halftime headliner despite Trump criticism
- “The Show Will Evolve From Here” Sparks Political Firestorm In 2025 – Here’s Why
- Super Bowl halftime 2026 sparks massive outrage as NFL stands firm on Bad Bunny
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.