The National Football League Remains Resolute on Puerto Rican Superstar Halftime Show Appearance Despite Political Backlash
America's top football league will not drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell announced this week.
With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.
Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has garnered global interest, including a surge in streams of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.
“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an performer where we avoided some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of people tuning in.”
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of Trump. He recently decided to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, avoiding performances in the mainland US, referencing apprehensions about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.
The artist, who sings in Spanish, is expected to continue this at the big game.
“We’re confident it will deliver a spectacular performance,” Goodell commented. “He is aware of the opportunity that he’s on, and in my view it will prove thrilling and a unifying experience.”
The host team are hosting the Super Bowl on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if the former president intends to attend, though he has turned physical attendance at major sporting events a significant part of his current presidency.
Trump during a discussion on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.
“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he stated. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they attribute it to an outside booker they hired to select talent. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”
The commissioner defended the choice this week, clarifying it was determined because of the artist’s immense popularity.
“He ranks among the leading and best-loved performers globally,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”
