The National Football League Stands Firm on Puerto Rican Superstar Super Bowl Appearance Despite Trump Backlash

America's top football league will not remove Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the choice to feature the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that drew criticism from the former president and his political base.

Goodell commented on the controversy during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has spoken out on the selection, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a surge in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an performer where we avoided some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of fans that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He recently opted to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, skipping performances in the mainland US, citing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is anticipated to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it will deliver a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner said. “He understands the platform that he has, and I think it will prove thrilling and a united moment.”

The host team are hosting the championship game on 8 February at the Santa Clara venue in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if the former president plans to be there, though he has made physical attendance at major sporting events a key aspect of his current presidency.

The political figure during a discussion on right-leaning media Newsmax claimed he had “never heard of” the performer.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” Trump said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to pick up talent. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner supported the decision on Wednesday, explaining it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the top and most popular performers globally,” Goodell said. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important element to the overall experience.”