Bad Bunny, one of today’s biggest pop stars, has captured hearts again—not with a song, but with a viral TikTok video showing him crying. The artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, shared the emotional clip while listening to his song “DTMF” (“Debí Tirar Más Fotos”). His tears were of joy and gratitude, as he thanked fans for their overwhelming response to his latest album of the same name.
The song, which translates to “I Should Have Taken More Photos,” reflects on love, loss, and cherished memories. It struck a chord with listeners around the world, leading to countless videos and photo montages set to its heartfelt lyrics. Lines like “I should have taken more photos when I had you” and “I should have given you more kisses and hugs when I could” moved fans deeply. Even celebrities like DJ Steve Aoki shared emotional posts, with Aoki dedicating a video to his late father.
The moment has sparked a bigger conversation about masculinity and the importance of showing emotions. Mental health experts say it’s a powerful message for young men, who are often told not to cry or express vulnerability. Licensed therapist Sheldon Jacobs explained, “Bad Bunny is showing men and boys that it’s okay to feel and share emotions. This challenges old ideas about what it means to be a man.”
Bad Bunny has been breaking societal norms for years. Whether dressing in drag for a music video, wearing skirts on TV, or calling out homophobia in the music industry, the Grammy-winning artist has used his platform to promote openness and acceptance. His willingness to show vulnerability aligns with a growing trend among public figures. NFL star Jason Kelce and singer Justin Bieber have also made headlines for openly sharing their emotions, showing that even strong, successful men can cry.
This shift comes at a critical time. Research highlights that many men struggle with loneliness and a lack of emotional support. A recent survey revealed that only 1 in 5 men said they received emotional support from a friend in the past week, compared to 4 in 10 women. Experts believe that normalizing emotional expression, as Bad Bunny has done, can lead to healthier relationships and better mental well-being.
Fans of all backgrounds have praised the artist for his openness. Many Puerto Ricans, in particular, feel a deep connection to the album, which explores themes of cultural identity and resilience. One fan, Zachary Hill, shared how translating the song’s lyrics brought him to tears, adding, “It shows that no matter who you are, emotions are emotions, and it’s okay to feel them.”
For young boys, especially those of color, seeing someone like Bad Bunny embrace his feelings can be life-changing. Jacobs emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “When kids see someone they admire crying and being vulnerable, it gives them permission to do the same.”
The video has reignited discussions about how society treats men’s emotions. While the idea that “boys don’t cry” has long been ingrained in many cultures, figures like Bad Bunny are helping to change that narrative. Experts hope that this shift will encourage more men to express their feelings and build stronger emotional connections.
Bad Bunny’s emotional TikTok reminds us all of the power of vulnerability. Through his music and actions, he has not only connected with fans on a deep level but also inspired important conversations about mental health and masculinity. His tears have proven that emotions aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re what make us human.
