The National Football League Remains Resolute on Bad Bunny Halftime Show Performance Despite Trump Backlash

The NFL has no plans to drop Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

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

Goodell addressed the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has spoken out 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 remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of people tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He lately opted to hold a month-long concert series in his homeland, avoiding performances in the continental United States, citing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The artist, who performs in Spanish, is expected to continue this at the big game.

“We’re confident it will deliver a great show,” Goodell commented. “He understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a unifying experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the Super Bowl on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to be there, though he has made appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his current presidency.

Trump in an interview on right-leaning media the outlet claimed he had “never heard of” the performer.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” Trump stated. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to select talent. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

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

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