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The NFL will not remove Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the decision to feature the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew negative reactions from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered global interest, including a rise in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an performer where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have truly countless viewers of fans that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He lately opted to hold a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the mainland US, citing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.

The artist, who performs in Spanish, is anticipated to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it’s going to be a great show,” the NFL commissioner commented. “He is aware of the platform that he’s on, and I think it will prove exciting and a united moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Super Bowl on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. It is unclear if Trump intends to attend, although he has made appearing in person at high-profile games a significant part of his second term.

The political figure in an interview on right-leaning media the outlet said he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

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

“He’s one of the top and most popular entertainers in the world,” he said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It represents a crucial stage for the league. It serves as a key component to the overall experience.”