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The NFL has no plans to drop the global music icon as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the choice to place the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew criticism from the former president and his political base.

Goodell commented on the controversy during his news conference following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has publicly remarked on the selection, which has garnered global interest, including a surge in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.

“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner remarked. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have truly countless viewers of people tuning in.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He lately opted to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, skipping stops in the mainland US, citing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who performs in Spanish, is anticipated to do so at the big game.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell commented. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it will prove exciting and a united experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the Super Bowl on 8 February at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. It is unclear if the former president intends to be there, though he has made appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his second term.

Trump during a discussion on right-leaning media the outlet said he had “never heard of” the performer.

“I don’t know his identity,” he stated. “I can’t comprehend why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they contracted to select talent. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Goodell supported the choice on Wednesday, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s immense popularity.

“He’s one of the top and best-loved entertainers globally,” Goodell said. “That’s what we aim to achieve. It’s an important platform for us. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”