NFL Stands Firm on Bad Bunny Super Bowl Appearance Despite Trump Backlash

America's top football league will not drop the global music icon as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated this week.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the choice to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from the former president and his political base.

Goodell addressed the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has publicly remarked on the selection, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.

“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an performer where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of fans tuning in.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He lately decided to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, avoiding stops in the mainland US, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is expected to do so at the big game.

“We believe it will deliver a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner said. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and in my view it will prove thrilling and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if Trump intends to be there, though he has made physical attendance at major sporting events a significant part of his current presidency.

Trump during a discussion on conservative news network Newsmax claimed he had “never heard of” the performer.

“I don’t know his identity,” he stated. “I can’t comprehend why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to pick up entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell defended the decision this week, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” he said. “This is exactly what we aim to achieve. It represents a crucial platform for the league. It’s an important element to the overall experience.”