NFL Remains Resolute on Bad Bunny Super Bowl Performance Amid Political Criticism

America's top football league has no plans to remove the global music icon as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the choice to place the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has spoken out on the appointment, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we didn’t have some blowback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He lately opted to hold a month-long concert series in his homeland, avoiding stops in the continental United States, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who sings in Spanish, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner commented. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be thrilling and a united experience.”

The host team are staging the Super Bowl on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to attend, though he has turned physical attendance at major sporting events a key aspect of his current presidency.

Trump during a discussion on right-leaning media the outlet said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know his identity,” he said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they contracted to pick up talent. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell defended the decision this week, explaining it was determined because of the artist’s immense popularity.

“He ranks among the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” he said. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It’s an important platform for the league. It serves as a key component to the overall experience.”