Bad Bunny is facing criticism from Mexico City’s National Institute of Anthropology and History after posting photos of himself touching a historical artifact.
On Dec. 17, the 31-year-old Puerto Rican superstar visited the museum and shared multiple photos on his Instagram Stories, including one showing his hand on a stele engraved with ancient insignia, according to TMZ.
On Saturday (Dec. 27), the museum confirmed on social media that Bad Bunny had indeed touched the artifact and clarified what happened during his visit.
“As is public knowledge, physical contact with archaeological goods is prohibited,” the museum wrote on X.
The statement added that museum staff were present during the visit and that the rapper removed his hand from the stele after being informed of the rules.
“The visit took place on Wednesday, December 17. Throughout the entire tour, the presence of MNA custody personnel was ensured,” the institute continued. “When the artist placed his hand on the stele, museum custody staff reiterated that the pieces could not be touched, to which the musician withdrew it.”
The visit coincided with the Mexican leg of Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos tour, which ran at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City from Dec. 10 to Dec. 21.
Looking ahead, Bad Bunny has a busy year. In addition to touring Latin America, Europe and Australia, the musician is scheduled to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 8.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny said in a statement about the news. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”
One week before the Super Bowl, on Feb. 1, he is one of the leading nominees at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, where he is vying for album, record and song of the year.
