A viral claim that Apple Music fired Jay-Z after Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has spread widely online. The rumor suggests the company removed him from his role over alleged “vulgar lyrics” performed during the show. The post quickly gained attention and sparked debate across social media.
However, the claim is false. Apple Music did not fire Jay-Z. He remains the NFL’s Live Music Entertainment Strategist and continues to serve as executive producer of the Super Bowl halftime show. He still plays a key role in selecting headliners for the event.
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The Facebook page America’s Last Line of Defense shared the viral post. It claimed that an Apple executive named Art Tubolls said Jay-Z would face a $25 million annual fine because of Bad Bunny’s lyrics. There is no Apple executive by that name. The page later continued to joke in the comments, naming a fake source called “Tru Smebrow.” The post received nearly 10,000 reactions, with many users mocking the headline.
Jay-Z’s Role in the Super Bowl
Jay-Z has overseen the Super Bowl halftime show in recent years through Roc Nation. Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins has also produced the event as part of the Roc Nation team. Together, they have shaped the show’s creative direction.
Jay-Z attended the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, with his daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi. It marked the third straight year that Blue Ivy joined him at the game. Photos showed them enjoying the event before kickoff.
Before the game, British journalist Rob Shuter reported that Jay-Z wanted the halftime performance to be “fearless” and culturally powerful. According to the report, he encouraged Bad Bunny not to “play it safe.”
Bad Bunny previously shared his excitement about being chosen for the show. Speaking about the moment he received the call, he said:
“I remember that after the call, I just did like a hundred pull-ups… I didn’t need more pre-workout, it was very special. It was so special.”
Public Reactions
Media personalities also weighed in. Megyn Kelly criticized Jay-Z’s involvement in selecting halftime performers. She said:
“Don’t even get me started on his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Why is he choosing who’s appropriate for American children to watch during our seminal sporting event?”
Kid Rock also commented, calling Jay-Z a “DEI hire,” while saying he did not blame Bad Bunny for performing.
Despite the controversy, there is no evidence that Apple Music fired Jay-Z. The viral post relies on fabricated details and false claims.
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