Bad Bunny delivered a high-energy halftime performance at Super Bowl LX, handing a Grammy Award to a young boy in a moment that quickly went viral. Social media users speculated that the child was Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Multiple sources have confirmed the boy was not Ramos, but the incident highlighted ongoing discussions about immigration and misinformation.
The performance took place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during the game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, incorporated elements of Puerto Rican culture, including surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
The rumor spread rapidly online, with influencers and outlets initially reporting the connection before corrections were issued. This case underscores how quickly unverified claims can amplify, especially amid sensitive topics like child detention and border policies.
What Happened During the Halftime Show
Bad Bunny opened his set with "Tití Me Preguntó" and transitioned through several hits, blending reggaeton with cultural symbolism. Midway through, he introduced a young boy on stage and handed him a Grammy trophy engraved with the message "Cree siempre en ti," meaning "Always believe in yourself" in Spanish.
The moment was intended as a symbolic gesture, representing aspiration and self-belief, particularly for Latino youth. Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican native, used the platform to celebrate his heritage and American identity, performing in an all-white outfit amid vibrant visuals.
Surprise guests elevated the show. Lady Gaga joined for a duet, and Ricky Martin added to the Latin flair, making it one of the most talked-about halftime performances in recent years. The event drew millions of viewers, amplifying every detail on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The Viral Liam Ramos Rumor Explained
Immediately after the show, speculation erupted on social media that the boy receiving the Grammy was Liam Conejo Ramos. Users pointed to visual similarities, including the child's age and appearance, fueling posts like "Benito gave his Grammy to Liam Ramos!"
Influencers, including Ed Krassenstein, shared the claim, suggesting it was a powerful statement against immigration enforcement. Outlets like TMZ initially reported the connection before retracting it. The rumor gained traction due to Ramos' recent high-profile detention, which had already gone viral.
Posts on X and Instagram referenced Ramos' blue bunny hat from detention photos, drawing parallels to the halftime visuals. However, the claim was debunked within hours by reliable sources.
Who Is Involved: Key Figures and Background
Bad Bunny, a Grammy-winning artist known for advocating social issues, headlined the show after his recent Grammy wins. He has spoken out on Puerto Rican rights and immigration, making the performance a cultural milestone.
Liam Conejo Ramos is a 5-year-old boy from Columbia Heights, Minnesota. On January 20, 2026, he and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were detained by ICE during a raid in Minneapolis. Photos of Ramos being led away sparked national outrage over child detention practices.
The boy on stage was identified as Lincoln Fox, a 5-year-old child actor of half-Argentinian descent. Fox posted about the experience on Instagram, calling it his "truest honor." Sources close to the production confirmed the moment symbolized Bad Bunny passing opportunity to the next generation, not a specific individual.
ICE officials were not directly involved in the performance but became central to the rumor due to Ramos' case. Ramos and his father were released from a Texas detention center in late January after a judge's order, pending their asylum hearing.
Debunking the False Claim
Multiple outlets, including NPR, The Hollywood Reporter, and BBC, confirmed the boy was not Ramos. A publicist for Bad Bunny stated to NPR that the child was not the detained boy. Representatives for Ramos' family echoed this to Minnesota Public Radio.
Columbia Heights Public Schools, where Ramos attends, verified he was not at the Super Bowl. Fact-checking sites like Lead Stories noted the visual resemblance but affirmed Ramos' family was "sequestered" during this time.
The BBC debunked related claims that Bad Bunny gave his Grammy to a child detained by ICE, labeling it false. Social media platforms saw corrections, but the initial spread reached hundreds of thousands of views.
One headline mentioned a "wedding" being real amid the rumor, but no verified details emerged from reports. It may refer to a separate event or performance element, though sources focused on the Grammy hand-off.
Why It Matters: Broader Implications
The incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation on social media, especially around emotionally charged topics like child immigration. Ramos' detention drew attention to ICE practices, with critics arguing it used the child as "bait" during his father's arrest.
Bad Bunny's show amplified Latino representation at a major American event, fostering discussions on cultural inclusion and patriotism. It also spotlighted Puerto Rico's place in U.S. narratives, as Bad Bunny emphasized his full name and heritage.
Critics, including former President Donald Trump, called the performance "absolutely terrible," tying into political debates over immigration. The rumor risked overshadowing these messages, illustrating how unverified claims can derail public discourse.
What Happens Next: Ongoing Developments
Ramos and his father face an asylum hearing, with potential deportation if unsuccessful. Advocacy groups continue supporting the family, pushing for reforms in child detention policies.
Bad Bunny has not commented directly on the rumor but is expected to resume touring, with possible statements on social issues. Media outlets may issue further corrections, and social platforms could review misinformation policies.
The NFL and halftime producers have not announced follow-ups, but the event's cultural impact may influence future shows. Observers anticipate more scrutiny on viral claims in high-profile events.
This episode serves as a reminder to verify information before sharing, particularly when it involves vulnerable individuals like children in immigration cases. As discussions evolve, focus remains on accurate reporting to inform public understanding.
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