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The NFL will not drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to feature the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from the former president and some of his supporters.

Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has attracted worldwide attention, including a surge in streams of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we avoided pushback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of people that are watching.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He recently decided to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the mainland US, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

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

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. It is unclear if Trump intends to be there, although he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his second term.

The political figure in an interview on conservative news network the outlet said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he stated. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they attribute it to some promoter they hired to select entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner defended the choice this week, explaining it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the leading and best-loved entertainers globally,” Goodell affirmed. “This is exactly what we aim to achieve. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important component to the entertainment value.”