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The NFL will not remove Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated this week.

With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that sparked criticism from the former president and his political base.

Goodell addressed the debate during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered global interest, including a rise in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner said. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an artist where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of fans that are watching.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of Trump. He recently decided to hold a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the mainland US, referencing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.

The artist, who performs primarily in his native language, is anticipated to do so at the big game.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a unifying experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Super Bowl on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if the former president plans to be there, although he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his current presidency.

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

“I don’t know his identity,” Trump stated. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to an outside booker they hired to select entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner defended the decision on Wednesday, clarifying it was determined because of the artist’s immense popularity.

“He’s one of the top and best-loved performers in the world,” he affirmed. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”