During Bad Bunny's dynamic Super Bowl halftime performance, a moment where the artist presented a Grammy to a young boy sparked fervent online discussion. Many viewers quickly theorized that the child was Liam Conejo Ramos, an immigrant boy whose recent detention by federal agents had garnered significant media attention. However, this widely circulated speculation has been firmly debunked by official sources. This article delves into the details surrounding the performance and clarifies the identity of the boy on stage, while also providing context on Liam Conejo Ramos's compelling story.
Super Bowl Halftime Rumor Clarified: The Boy with Bad Bunny Not Liam Conejo Ramos
On February 8, 2026, during the NFL Super Bowl 60 halftime show, global music sensation Bad Bunny engaged in a poignant moment, kneeling to present a Grammy Award to a young Latino boy, uttering the inspiring words, "Cree siempre en ti" ("always believe in yourself"). Almost immediately following this heartwarming scene, social media platforms erupted with rumors identifying the boy as Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old who, alongside his father, Adrian Conejo, had recently made headlines due to their detention by federal immigration agents on January 20 in Minneapolis. The detention of Liam, captured in a viral photo wearing a Spider-Man backpack and a blue bunny hat, had become a powerful symbol against former President Trump's stringent immigration policies in Minneapolis.
Despite the widespread speculation, representatives for both Bad Bunny and the Conejo Ramos family swiftly clarified the situation. A publicist for Bad Bunny confirmed to NPR Music that the boy who shared the stage with the artist was not Liam Conejo Ramos. This statement was independently corroborated by a representative for the Conejo Ramos family, who informed Minnesota Public Radio that the young boy in the performance was indeed not Liam. The Conejo family, originally from Ecuador, is currently seeking asylum, a claim that the Department of Homeland Security is actively challenging, pushing for expedited deportation proceedings. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of "Operation Metro Surge," launched by the Department of Homeland Security in December, which saw nearly 3,000 federal immigration agents deployed to Minnesota, leading to numerous arrests and tragic incidents, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance itself was rich with symbolism, embracing a predominantly Spanish-language format and openly advocating for Latino and immigrant communities in America. His Grammy Awards acceptance speech, where he declared, "ICE out… we're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans. And we are Americans," further solidified his stance. His Super Bowl act continued this powerful narrative, culminating in a declaration of "God Bless America" and an enumeration of all North, Central, and South American nations, underscoring a message of unity and belonging.
This incident vividly illustrates the rapid dissemination of information and misinformation in the digital age, particularly when emotionally charged narratives intersect with high-profile public events. It underscores the importance of verifying facts, especially in an era where social media can amplify rumors with unprecedented speed. Furthermore, Bad Bunny's performance highlights the growing influence of artists in leveraging global platforms like the Super Bowl to address significant social and political issues, compelling audiences to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and human rights.