NFL Stands Firm on Bad Bunny Halftime Show Appearance Despite Trump Criticism

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

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that drew criticism from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the debate during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has publicly remarked on the selection, which has attracted worldwide attention, including a surge in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an artist where we avoided pushback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers of people that are watching.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He recently opted to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the continental United States, referencing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who performs primarily in his native language, is anticipated to continue this at the big game.

“We believe it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it will prove thrilling and a unifying experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. It is unclear if Trump intends to be there, although he has turned appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his second term.

Trump in an interview on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know who he is,” Trump stated. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they contracted to select entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

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

“He’s one of the top and most popular entertainers globally,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It represents a crucial platform for us. It serves as a key component to the entertainment value.”