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

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

Goodell commented on the debate during his news conference 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 rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell said. “I doubt we have chosen an performer where we avoided some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have truly countless viewers of fans that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He recently decided to do a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, skipping performances in the mainland US, referencing apprehensions about the expulsion of Latinos.

The artist, who sings in Spanish, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it will deliver a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner commented. “He understands the platform that he has, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Super Bowl on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if Trump intends to be there, although he has made appearing in person at high-profile games a key aspect of his second term.

Trump in an interview on right-leaning media Newsmax said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know his identity,” he stated. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to pick up entertainment. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”

The commissioner supported the decision on Wednesday, explaining it was made because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the leading and most popular performers in the world,” Goodell affirmed. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important element to the overall experience.”