A Republican congressman has gone viral after responding to a question about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show by admitting he had no idea who the singer was — before launching into an unexpected and awkward story about his pet rabbits.
Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett was approached by a reporter in Washington and asked about the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s upcoming halftime performance, which has sparked outrage among some conservatives.
Instead of weighing in on the music star, Burchett made it clear he didn’t recognize the name at all.
“Dude, I wouldn’t know if Bad Bunny walked up here and asked me if he could borrow my cell phone,” Burchett said. “I really don’t know who he is.”
Congressman derails interview with strange rabbit anecdote
Rather than ending the exchange there, Burchett shifted gears and began talking about his own “bad bunny” — a Flemish giant rabbit named Flop.
He described an incident involving Flop mating with another rabbit named Caramel, saying it proved the old saying about rabbits reproducing quickly. The story took an even stranger turn when Burchett recalled his nephew walking in on the scene.
“My nephew was like, ‘Uncle Tim, what’s Flop doing to Caramel?’” Burchett said, explaining that he told the child to go back inside because it wasn’t his job to give the sex talk.
Burchett then added that Flop died of a heart attack about a week later, joking that the rabbit “died doing what he loved.”
The clip quickly spread across social media, drawing a mix of laughter, disbelief, and mild concern from viewers.
One Twitch streamer compared the moment to listening to an eccentric relative, while another writer joked that much of the U.S. government appears to be “sundowning in public.”
Bad Bunny controversy continues to divide conservatives
Burchett’s comments come amid broader conservative backlash over Bad Bunny being selected as the Super Bowl halftime performer.
The Puerto Rican superstar — whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — sings primarily in Spanish and has been outspoken in criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
During a recent Grammy Awards speech, Bad Bunny praised immigrants who pursue their dreams and called for an end to mass ICE raids, saying hate can only be defeated with love.
Last year, following an ICE raid in Puerto Rico, the singer harshly criticized immigration agents involved.
President Donald Trump has called Bad Bunny’s halftime selection “crazy” and “ridiculous,” while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has threatened to station ICE agents outside the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, conservative group Turning Point USA has announced plans for an alternative “All-American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock.
Despite the political firestorm, Bad Bunny has joked about the backlash, previously telling audiences they had time to learn Spanish before his performance.
As for Burchett, his rabbit story — not his politics — is what’s now dominating headlines and timelines.
