When global superstar Bad Bunny agreed to headline the 2026 Super Bowl LX halftime show, he didn’t just step onto one of the world’s biggest stages — he stepped into the kind of security challenge most artists never face.
In a revealing interview, DJ Express laid out why Bad Bunny’s security team spent an estimated $6 million on upgraded protection, including anti-ballistic shielding, drone surveillance, disguised guards, and standby medical support. The core reason? Credible threats have made basic security systems obsolete.
“It Was Real Danger — Not Just Publicity”
DJ Express didn’t hold back: “Bad Bunny kept adjusting his protective gear because he knew something was at risk,” he said. “That tells you everything.”
And it wasn’t just paranoia — the artist reportedly received a credible death threat during his major Puerto Rico residency earlier in 2025, according to multiple reports. The threats were made online by an individual described as armed, prompting federal law enforcement involvement, including the FBI.
Details about the suspect’s motive or whether they were arrested remain unclear, but the fact that authorities monitored the situation raised alarm bells inside Bad Bunny’s security planning.
Political Backlash Added Fuel to the Fire
The context around these threats isn’t purely personal — it’s also political.
After the NFL announced Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, conservative commentators and political figures launched a wave of criticism, including comments from U.S. political operatives about immigration enforcement presence at the Super Bowl, specifically mentions of ICE showing up amid his performance.
This polarized reaction — rooted in debates over immigration policy, Latino identity, and cultural expression — has amplified online hostility. Some far-right voices even used this political narrative to stoke anger toward the artist, making the threat environment more unpredictable.
Why The Security Measures Went Beyond Standard Protocol
Given this backdrop of credible threats and political firestorm, Bad Bunny’s team shifted from normal protection to a layered, intelligence-grade security strategy, DJ Express explained:
🔒 Anti-Ballistic Protection
Discreet armored elements were integrated into transport and personnel zones — not fashion, but practical shielding for a real threat scenario.
🛸 Drone Surveillance Over Surrounding Streets
Real-time aerial monitoring gave teams early warning of suspicious activity before it reached ground forces.
🎥 Plainclothes Security Disguised as Photographers
These “photographers” were actually highly trained operatives, staying close without tipping off potential attackers.
🚑 Medical Response Vehicle With Emergency Capabilities
A private medical unit was on standby — including readiness for blood transfusions if worst-case scenarios unfolded.
“The level we’re talking about is usually for heads of state, not performers,” DJ Express said. “But when your visibility and threats escalate together, you adapt.”
Bad Bunny’S New Normal — Fame + Exposure = Heightened Risk
Bad Bunny’s situation underscores a modern reality: world-class fame brings global influence — and global risk. In an era where online threats can be coordinated and politically charged, typical security — even top-tier celebrity protection — sometimes doesn’t cut it.
For Bad Bunny, the choice wasn’t about theatrics or headline-grabbing gear — it was about protecting his life and the safety of those around him.
© 2026, Nimra Khan. All rights reserved.
