The National Football League Stands Firm on Bad Bunny Halftime Show Appearance Despite Trump Backlash
America's top football league will not drop the global music icon as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.
With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the choice to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.
Goodell addressed the controversy 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 worldwide attention, including a surge in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.
“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner said. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of people tuning in.”
The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He lately decided to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the continental United States, referencing concerns about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.
The 31-year-old, who sings in Spanish, is anticipated to continue this at the Super Bowl.
“We’re confident it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell commented. “He understands the platform that he has, and in my view it will prove exciting and a unifying moment.”
The host team are hosting the Super Bowl on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if the former president intends to be there, though he has turned physical attendance at major sporting events a key aspect of his second term.
Trump during a discussion on conservative news network the outlet claimed he had “no knowledge of” the performer.
“I don’t know who he is,” he said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to pick up talent. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”
Goodell defended the choice on Wednesday, explaining it was made because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.
“He ranks among the top and most popular entertainers globally,” he affirmed. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It represents a crucial stage for the league. It serves as a key element to the entertainment value.”