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The NFL will not drop Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell addressed the controversy during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has spoken out on the appointment, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell remarked. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an performer where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard 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 opted to do a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, skipping performances in the continental United States, referencing concerns about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who sings in Spanish, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it will deliver a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner said. “He understands the platform that he has, and I think it will prove exciting and a united moment.”

The host team are staging the Super Bowl on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to be there, although he has made appearing in person at high-profile games a significant part of his current presidency.

The political figure in an interview on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I don’t know who he is,” he said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to pick up talent. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell supported the choice this week, explaining it was made because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the top and best-loved performers in the world,” he said. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It’s an important platform for us. It serves as a key component to the entertainment value.”