🔗 Share this article

The NFL has no plans to drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced this week.

With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the choice to place the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew negative reactions from the former president and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his news conference following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the appointment, which has garnered global interest, including a surge in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I’m not sure we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have pushback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of people tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of Trump. He recently opted to hold a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, skipping performances in the continental United States, referencing apprehensions about the expulsion of Latinos.

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

“We believe it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner said. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and I think it will prove exciting and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if the former president intends to attend, although he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a key aspect of his current presidency.

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

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” Trump stated. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to select talent. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell supported the choice on Wednesday, clarifying it was determined because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the top and most popular entertainers globally,” Goodell said. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It represents a crucial stage for the league. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”