The National Football League Remains Resolute on Bad Bunny Super Bowl Appearance Despite Political Criticism
The NFL will not remove the global music icon as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell stated this week.
In doing so, Goodell stood by the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.
Goodell addressed the controversy during his news conference following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered global interest, including a rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.
“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I’m not sure we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”
The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He recently decided to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping performances in the continental United States, referencing concerns about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.
The artist, who performs in Spanish, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.
“We’re confident it will deliver a great show,” the NFL commissioner said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he has, and in my view it will prove thrilling and a unifying experience.”
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the championship game on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if the former president intends to attend, although he has turned appearing in person at major sporting events a key aspect of his current presidency.
Trump during a discussion on right-leaning media Newsmax claimed he had “never heard of” the performer.
“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” Trump said. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”
The commissioner supported the decision on Wednesday, explaining it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.
“He ranks among the top and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said. “This is exactly what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”
