Grammy-nominated reggaeton artist Bad Bunny is receiving criticism over comments on his hit track “El Apagón”, Coachella set, and relationship with Kendall Jenner. The hit song references Bad Bunny’s native Puerto Rico. An accompanying music video called attention to the infrastructure issues facing the island after a series of natural disasters.
During his Coachella set, he featured a tweet from a fan that read “goodnight. Benito could do ‘As It Was’ but Harry could never do ‘El Apagón.'” Some felt that this was intended to be a criticism of the Grammy Awards’ repeat lack of diverse winners, while others alleged that he was criticizing Styles for his previous relationship with Kendall Jenner. Jenner and Bad Bunny attended Coachella together. This would not be the first time that Bad Bunny has dissed one of Jenner’s exes. He recently referenced Devin Booker in his feature on Eladio Corrion’s track “Coco Chanel.”
@bahvr guys my jaw dropped BAD #coachella #badbunny #harrystyles #hslot #badbunnypr #coachella2023 #coachella2022 #coachellafashion #harry #benito
Bad Bunny also surprised festivalgoers by speaking on his controversies during his set. The singer essentially blamed his criticisms on misinterpretation and social media.
https://www.tiktok.com/@raven_subs/video/7222304798748462378?_r=1&_t=8bZs4Fa2Sh0
The Controversies
Bad Bunny has been an outspoken critic of the cultural appropriation of Latine culture. Given his stance on the matter, fans were then surprised to learn of his relationship with model Kendall Jenner. Jenner and the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family have repeatedly come under fire for cultural appropriation throughout their careers in the limelight.
Notably, Jenner’s 818 Tequila brand released an advertisement that had viewers calling her out. Some felt was wearing Mexican culture as a costume. Additionally, consumers continue to criticize celebrity tequila brands for dominating a market previously held by local farmers.
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After months of dating rumors surrounding Bad Bunny and Jenner, news broke of ex-girlfriend Carliz De La Cruz Hernández filing a 40 million dollar lawsuit against him. Hernández filed the suit over Bad Bunny’s use of her voice in several of his popular songs without her consent, and not providing her any royalties for the sample.
After the lawsuit was announced, Bad Bunny was featured in Time magazine, where he spoke on the meaning of “El Apagón.” Time conducted the interview in Spanish, and does not have an exact English translation. The singer essentially explained that the song’s meaning had changed for him. The English translation of the interview led some to sense that he was walking back on his cultural appropriation claims due to his relationship with Jenner.
Latina pop-culture TikTok creator Fernanda Cortes (@fernandacortesx) broke down the controversies that led up to his Coachella performance.
https://www.tiktok.com/@fernandacortesx/video/7221680755737513258?_r=1&%3B_t=8bZmQsxUgna
The Internet’s Thoughts
Young Latine fans of Bad Bunny continue to express concern over the singer’s alleged abandonment of his culture. Bad Bunny is famously the artist behind the first Spanish-language Grammy Album of The Year contender, and has paved the way for Spanish language music in mainstream media.
Kendall Jenner right now watching Bad Bunny perform
https://t.co/MKVFoIlyqf— wos???? (@C4NGUR0) April 15, 2023
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Despite the criticisms of Bad Bunny’s recent comments on appropriation, he is receiving praise for his latest collaboration with Mexican band Grupo Frontera.
Bad bunny and Grupo frontera song has dropped pic.twitter.com/2TzOkeTNyY
— ???????????? ???????? (@Palace_gio) April 17, 2023
Some are walking back on their criticisms of the singer’s personal relationship. One Twitter user feels that this collaboration only further proves his dedication to uplifting the Latin music community.
We've been saying it for awhile that regional Mexican music is going global next ???????? Bad Bunny collaborating with Grupo Frontera next ???????? so proud of them ???? pic.twitter.com/ax05mHeoAJ
— Lucas Villa (@myprerogative15) April 16, 2023
The track, “unx100to”, dropped on streaming services today.
