The National Football League Remains Resolute on Bad Bunny Halftime Show Performance Despite Political Criticism
The NFL will not remove the global music icon as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.
In doing so, Goodell stood by the decision to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.
Goodell addressed the controversy during his media briefing 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 rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.
“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard 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 the former leader. He lately decided to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, skipping stops in the continental United States, citing apprehensions about the expulsion of Latinos.
The 31-year-old, who sings in Spanish, is anticipated to do so at the big game.
“We believe it will deliver a great show,” Goodell commented. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a unifying moment.”
The host team are hosting the championship game on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump plans to be there, though he has made appearing in person at high-profile games a significant part of his second term.
The political figure during a discussion on right-leaning media the outlet claimed he had “no knowledge of” the performer.
“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he stated. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they attribute it to an outside booker they contracted to select talent. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”
Goodell supported the choice this week, explaining it was made because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.
“He ranks among the leading and best-loved performers in the world,” Goodell affirmed. “That’s what we aim to achieve. It represents a crucial platform for the league. It’s an important component to the entertainment value.”
