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America's top football league will not remove Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the choice to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew criticism from the former president and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has attracted global interest, including a surge in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell said. “I doubt we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging 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 Trump. He recently decided to hold a 31-day residency in his homeland, skipping performances in the mainland US, citing concerns about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is anticipated to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it’s going to be a great show,” the NFL commissioner said. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and I think it will prove exciting and a united experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. It is unclear if the former president intends to be there, although he has turned physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his current presidency.

The political figure during a discussion on right-leaning media the outlet claimed he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to an outside booker they contracted to select talent. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner supported the decision this week, clarifying it was made because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the leading and best-loved entertainers in the world,” Goodell said. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”