Bad Bunny slammed for disregarding museum rules by handling priceless ancient Maya slab ahead of highly anticipated Super Bowl performance

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has found himself at the centre of controversy after a museum visit in Mexico City sparked outrage among fans and cultural authorities. The incident occurred at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), where the 31-year-old artist concluded his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour in mid-December.



A photograph shared on social media showed Bad Bunny placing his hand on a carved Maya stone slab, likely dating from 250–900 AD, depicting rulers and intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions. While the gesture may have seemed harmless, it immediately drew sharp criticism for its disregard of museum protocol. INAH quickly reminded the rapper that "physical contact with archaeological goods is prohibited," highlighting that touching such artefacts jeopardises their preservation and long-term integrity.


Online reactions were swift and unrelenting. One user wrote, “He clearly thinks the rules don’t apply to him because he’s famous. It’s infuriating.” Another added, “What privilege does he have to handle historical artefacts? Absolutely disrespectful.” A third comment read, “This a**hole thinks he’s untouchable, but even a museum visit can’t hide bad manners.”



Mexico’s Federal Law on Monuments strictly forbids touching, damaging, or removing archaeological items, with violators facing fines or even imprisonment. Following the backlash, Bad Bunny deleted the controversial image from his social media accounts.



Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny is preparing for one of the biggest stages of his career: the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium, California, on 8 February 2026. This will mark his second Super Bowl appearance, following a guest spot in 2020, and he is expected to incorporate elements of Puerto Rican culture into his performance, blending music, dance, and visuals to honour his heritage.



"This is for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown," he stated. "This is for my people, my culture, and our history." The show will be broadcast live on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock. While some critics, including former President Donald Trump, labelled his booking “ridiculous,” Jay-Z praised Bad Bunny, calling the performance a cultural milestone and a tribute to Puerto Rico’s influence on the world stage.





Even amid mounting scrutiny, Bad Bunny is navigating the challenging line between international fame and cultural responsibility. With the Super Bowl LX halftime show on the horizon, every decision, from his stage performance to public appearances is under intense observation. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how he honours his Puerto Rican roots while meeting the expectations of a global audience. How he manages this balancing act could shape his legacy, not only as a groundbreaking music artist but also as a respected cultural ambassador representing his heritage on one of the world’s largest stages.