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The NFL has no plans to drop 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 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 garnered worldwide attention, including a rise in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell remarked. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have truly countless viewers of fans that are watching.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He recently decided to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the mainland US, citing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who performs in Spanish, is expected to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it will deliver a spectacular performance,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it will prove thrilling and a unifying moment.”

The host team are hosting the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if Trump plans to be there, although he has turned appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his current presidency.

The political figure in an interview on conservative news network Newsmax claimed he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to select talent. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner supported the decision this week, clarifying it was made because of Bad Bunny’s immense popularity.

“He’s one of the top and best-loved performers globally,” Goodell said. “That’s what we aim to achieve. It’s an important platform for the league. It serves as a key element to the overall experience.”