The internet exploded this week after former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong found herself at the center of a fierce backlash following her viral reaction to Bad Bunny‘s groundbreaking Super Bowl LX halftime performance on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Armstrong, 54, known for her dramatic tenure on the Bravo series and the iconic “woman yelling at a cat” meme featuring her face, took to Instagram Stories immediately after the show. She posted an edited image superimposing herself as a gladiator (complete with the famous cat from her meme), captioned: “Were you entertained?? I am embarrassed for the @NFL and Apple for the Super Bowl halftime show totally in Spanish with a Cuban flag!!”

The post quickly drew widespread criticism. Fans and commentators branded her comments as ignorant, pointing out multiple errors: Bad Bunny’s performance was primarily in Spanish, celebrating Latinx culture and Puerto Rican heritage, but the flag displayed was Puerto Rico’s—not Cuba’s, as Armstrong mistakenly claimed. Critics accused her of cultural insensitivity, xenophobia, and “mean girl” energy, with some labeling the rant outright racist amid broader discussions about diversity in American entertainment.

Social media erupted with reactions. Many users flooded her comments with disappointment, calling the post “disappointing” and questioning her awareness of U.S. demographics, where Spanish is a major language and Latin influences are integral. Others drew parallels to similar controversies involving other reality stars, amplifying calls for accountability. The incident fueled hashtags and threads accusing her of embodying outdated, exclusionary views in an increasingly multicultural America.

(Here: Image of Taylor Armstrong’s original controversial Instagram Story post, showing the gladiator edit with the cat and her caption criticizing the halftime show.)

Under mounting pressure, Armstrong issued a tearful and lengthy apology on her Instagram Stories days later, on February 12, 2026. In a candid video and accompanying text, she appeared emotional, admitting she had “messed up big time.” She stated: “THIS ISN’T ME!” emphasizing that her initial post “did not fully reflect my heart or my respect for the artist and culture as a whole.”

She elaborated: “My lack of awareness of the Latin culture led me to mistakenly label the flag as Cuban… I want to address my earlier Instagram post about the Super Bowl halftime show. As an American, I understand Spanish is a major part of our culture… Bad Bunny IS an American success story, and I respect the diversity he represents.” Armstrong promised to educate herself further, vowing to “learn from this in the future” and expressing regret for any hurt caused.

The apology, while described by some as sincere, was met with mixed responses. Supporters praised her for owning the mistake and showing vulnerability, while detractors dismissed it as damage control, with comments like “Too late, we know who you are” and “Apologizing for the reaction or for being a bigot?” circulating widely. The backlash intensified discussions about performative apologies in celebrity culture.

(Here: Screenshot or photo from Taylor Armstrong’s emotional apology video on Instagram Stories, capturing her tearful expression as she addresses the controversy.)

Bad Bunny’s halftime show itself was a historic triumph, drawing massive viewership and praise for its high-energy reggaeton set, vibrant choreography, and bold celebration of Puerto Rican pride. The performance included hits like those from his chart-topping albums, stunning visuals, and a powerful nod to Latinx representation on one of America’s biggest stages. It stood in stark contrast to Armstrong’s critique, highlighting generational and cultural divides in audience reception.

Armstrong’s saga underscores broader tensions in the wake of the Super Bowl: while the event aimed to showcase inclusivity, it also exposed lingering biases. Fans continue to “cancel” or call out perceived ignorance, with Armstrong’s case serving as a cautionary tale for public figures navigating diverse cultural moments.

The reality star has since gone quiet on social media regarding the topic, but the episode has reignited conversations about accountability, cultural education, and the rapid speed of online outrage. Whether this marks a genuine turning point for Armstrong remains to be seen, but her tearful plea—”This isn’t me”—has become a viral soundbite in its own right.