John Leguizamo Breaks Down in Tears Watching Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show
John Leguizamo has never been one to hide his emotions, especially when it comes to the representation of the Latino community in mainstream media. After Bad Bunny took the stage for a historic, all-Spanish Super Bowl halftime performance on February 8, the Colombian-American actor could not contain his joy.
Watching the Puerto Rican superstar command the world’s biggest stage was a deeply personal moment for Leguizamo, who has spent decades fighting for the visibility of Latin artists.
Taking to social media immediately after the show, the Carlito’s Way actor shared that he was moved to tears by the spectacle. He expressed that he was crying with pride at the sight of such a massive celebration of culture.
For Leguizamo, the performance felt like a triumph over negativity, as he noted there was so much love against hate displayed on the screen. He concluded his emotional reaction by reminding his followers that love wins every time.
The actor’s reaction resonated with millions of fans who shared his sentiment of “sweet vindication” for a community often sidelined in Hollywood. Leguizamo even engaged with fans who asked if he was as emotional as they were to see their people celebrated on such a grand scale. He admitted that the sight of the performance was truly getting to [him], highlighting how much a single moment of recognition can mean to an entire culture.
Spanish actor John Leguizamo cries reacting to Bad Bunny's halftime show
— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) February 9, 2026
– "I'm crying with pride! There was so much luv against hate! And love wins every time!" pic.twitter.com/taEicgjD7i
As of February, John Leguizamo is backing up his words with plenty of action in his own career. He recently made headlines by signing an open letter to Hollywood executives, alongside Eva Longoria and Xochitl Gomez, demanding better casting practices and accountability for Latino representation.
On the creative front, he is currently preparing for his role in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey, which is scheduled to premiere on July 17. This $250 million production features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway.
Leguizamo is also expanding his reach into the world of literature this year. His debut children’s picture book, Kiki and the Can: Paint His World, is slated for an August release. The story follows a young boy who uses graffiti to celebrate his cultural roots, reflecting Leguizamo’s lifelong mission to ensure that young people see themselves reflected in the stories they consume.
Additionally, he continues to advocate for social change through his digital platforms, recently making waves with his vocal support for immigrant rights and the “Abolish ICE” movement.
Whether he is appearing in a blockbuster IMAX film or writing a story for the next generation, Leguizamo remains one of the most vocal and hardworking advocates for change in the entertainment industry.
Do you think that a Spanish-only performance at the Super Bowl is the ultimate sign that Latino culture has finally taken its rightful place at the center of American entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments.