🔗 Share this article

America's top football league will not drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell stated this week.

In doing so, Goodell stood by the decision to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that drew criticism from the former president and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the controversy during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has garnered global interest, including a surge in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an artist where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of people that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He lately opted to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the mainland US, citing concerns about the expulsion 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 great show,” Goodell commented. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it will prove thrilling and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if Trump plans to be there, though he has turned physical attendance at major sporting events a key aspect of his current presidency.

The political figure in an interview on conservative news network the outlet said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” Trump said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to pick up talent. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

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

“He’s one of the leading and best-loved performers in the world,” he affirmed. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important platform for us. It serves as a key component to the entertainment value.”