🔗 Share this article

The NFL has no plans to drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the choice to place the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we avoided some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of Trump. He lately opted to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, skipping performances in the mainland US, referencing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is expected to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell commented. “He is aware of the opportunity that he has, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a unifying moment.”

The host team are staging the Super Bowl on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if the former president plans to be there, though he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his current presidency.

Trump in an interview on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to an outside booker they hired to pick up entertainment. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner supported the choice this week, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the top and best-loved performers globally,” he affirmed. “That’s what we try to achieve. It represents a crucial platform for us. It serves as a key element to the entertainment value.”