5 Shocking Reasons Bad Bunny’s 2025 Reign Is His Most Controversial Yet

The global phenomenon known as Bad Bunny has cemented his status as a musical titan, but the period of late 2024 and 2025 has proven to be his most explosive era yet, blending record-breaking music releases with high-stakes controversy. As of late 2025, the Puerto Rican superstar is navigating the immense success of his latest album, a massive world tour, and a firestorm of media attention surrounding his personal life and a polarizing Super Bowl announcement. This year has been defined by a relentless push against the status quo, both in his art and his public statements, ensuring that Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio remains the most talked-about figure in global music.

The sheer scale of his influence is undeniable; his music transcends language barriers, making him the face of a new generation of Latin American artists. However, 2025’s biggest headlines haven't just been about streams and ticket sales—they've focused on the political, cultural, and personal battles he's chosen to fight, or simply found himself caught up in.

Bad Bunny: The Full Biography Profile

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and songwriter who has become a global icon of Latin Trap and Reggaeton. His career, which famously began while working as a bagger at a supermarket and releasing music on SoundCloud, quickly skyrocketed, making him one of the most-streamed artists worldwide.

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• Real Name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
• Date of Birth: March 10, 1994
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 31
• Birthplace: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
• Nationality: Puerto Rican
• Genres: Latin Trap, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Dembow
• Career Start: 2016 (Signed to Hear This Music)
• Key Albums: X 100pre (2018), YHLQMDLG (2020), El Último Tour del Mundo (2020), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023), Debí Tirar Más Fotos (2025)
• Major Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards

1. The Record-Shattering Success of 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' (DTMF)

The biggest story of early 2025 was the release of Bad Bunny’s sixth studio album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (DTMF), which translates to "I Should Have Taken More Photos." Released on January 5, 2025, the album immediately became a critical and commercial juggernaut, proving that his creative momentum is far from slowing down.

DTMF Dominates Global Charts

The album shot to the top of streaming charts globally and was a massive factor in his continued dominance on platforms like Spotify. By the end of 2025, DTMF was one of the year’s best-selling albums and claimed the title of the most-streamed global album on Spotify’s 2025 Wrapped, a historic achievement for a Spanish-language record.

The Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour

Following the album’s success, the "Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour" launched, selling out stadiums across North and Latin America. The tour, which has dates scheduled into late 2025, is noted for its high production value and its focus on the new material while still celebrating his extensive discography.

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A particularly unique element of the 2025 tour schedule was the decision to hold a 30-night residency in Puerto Rico, a move that allowed him to stay close to his roots and serve the local fanbase, rather than focusing solely on a global circuit.

2. The Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Controversy

In a move that sparked intense debate across the cultural and political landscape, Bad Bunny was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, scheduled for February 2026. The announcement, made in late 2025, immediately drew both massive praise and significant backlash.

The 'No English' Argument

The core of the controversy centered on the idea of a non-English-dominant artist headlining one of the most-watched American television events. A Change.org petition demanding his replacement with country artists garnered over 100,000 signatures, reflecting a conservative faction's outrage.

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The debate intensified around the question of linguistic representation. Critics of the backlash, including figures like Jay-Z, defended the choice, arguing that Bad Bunny’s global appeal and cultural impact made him the only logical choice for the slot. The artist himself addressed the furor with irony during a monologue on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), further fueling the discussion about the role of Latin American artists in mainstream American culture.

3. Navigating a High-Profile Relationship Status in 2025

Bad Bunny's personal life has always been a subject of intense speculation, and 2025 was no exception, especially regarding his high-profile romance with model-entrepreneur Kendall Jenner. While the couple’s relationship had been a major media focus, reports in 2025 indicated that the musician was publicly single.

Rumors of Reconciliation with Gabriela Berlingeri

However, the narrative took a turn with rumors of a reconciliation with his long-time ex, Gabriela Berlingeri. Berlingeri was reportedly spotted attending his 2025 residency shows in Puerto Rico, leading to widespread speculation that the two were reconnecting. While neither party has acknowledged the rumors, the public appearances have kept the media spotlight firmly fixed on his private life.

4. The Unwavering Voice of Puerto Rican Activism

Beyond his music and celebrity, Bad Bunny continues to use his massive platform for political and social activism, particularly concerning the issues facing Puerto Rico. His involvement has become a hallmark of his career, moving him from pop star to serious cultural figure.

Criticism of the PNP

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Bad Bunny has been a prominent voice criticizing the political situation in Puerto Rico, specifically targeting the Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP). His activism is often framed as an anti-colonial protest, speaking out against exploitation, political corruption, and the erosion of Puerto Rican identity.

He has previously used his music as a form of protest, such as with the track "Afilando Los Cuchillos" ("Sharpening the Knives"), and his recent actions continue to highlight his commitment to the island's independence and sovereignty, even as the people of Puerto Rico remain politically divided on the issue.

5. The Continued Reign of Sneaker Collaborations

The musician's influence extends far beyond the music industry, solidifying his status as a fashion and sneaker icon through his ongoing partnership with Adidas. This collaboration remains one of the most desired and successful in the market, with new releases consistently selling out instantly.

In 2025, the partnership introduced the latest collaborative sneaker, the Bad Bunny x Adidas Gazelle "San Juan," a fresh take on the classic Adidas Gazelle silhouette. This release followed the highly successful 2024 launch of the "Last Campus," which marked the end of one chapter of their collaboration. The continued demand for his footwear proves that his cultural currency is as strong in the fashion world as it is on the global music charts.