Congressman Robert Garcia Calls Out CBS for ‘Disrespectful’ Lack of Closed Captioning During Bad Bunny’s Grammys Performance
Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents California’s 40th congressional district, has called out CBS for not providing closed captioning during the performance of Bad Bunny at the 2023 Grammys, calling it “disrespectful” to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Garcia, who is deaf himself, took to Twitter to voice his concern, writing, “As a deaf Member of Congress, I’ve long advocated for more closed captioning, especially for live events. It’s disrespectful not to provide this basic accommodation for the millions of Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing.”
He went on to criticize CBS for not making the effort to include closed captioning, stating that it was a “missed opportunity” to show inclusivity and understanding towards those with disabilities.
Bad Bunny’s performance at the 2023 Grammys was widely praised, with the Puerto Rican rapper taking home multiple awards. However, the lack of closed captioning during the performance was noticed by many, with Garcia’s comments bringing attention to the issue.
CBS has not yet released a statement regarding the lack of closed captioning during Bad Bunny’s performance or Congressman Garcia’s comments. However, the incident highlights the need for more accessibility measures, especially during live events, to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy and participate in cultural experiences.