🔗 Share this article

The NFL will not drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell stood by the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the appointment, which has attracted worldwide attention, including a rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have pushback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He recently decided to hold a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping stops in the continental United States, referencing concerns about the expulsion of Latinos.

The artist, who performs in Spanish, is anticipated to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner said. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if Trump intends to attend, although he has turned appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his current presidency.

Trump in an interview on conservative news network the outlet claimed he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” he stated. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

The commissioner defended the choice on Wednesday, clarifying it was made because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the top and best-loved performers in the world,” Goodell affirmed. “This is exactly what we aim to achieve. It’s an important platform for the league. It serves as a key component to the overall experience.”