NFL Stands Firm on Puerto Rican Superstar Halftime Show Appearance Despite Political Backlash
The NFL will not drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, Commissioner 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 sparked negative reactions from the former president and some of his supporters.
Goodell addressed the controversy during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a surge in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.
“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner said. “I doubt we have chosen an artist where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of fans that are watching.”
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He lately decided to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping stops in the mainland US, citing apprehensions about the expulsion of Latinos.
The artist, who sings in Spanish, is expected to continue this at the big game.
“We believe it will deliver a spectacular performance,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be thrilling and a united experience.”
The host team are hosting the Super Bowl on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if Trump plans to be there, although he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his current presidency.
Trump in an interview on conservative news network the outlet said he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.
“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” Trump said. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to pick up talent. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
The commissioner supported the decision on Wednesday, explaining it was made because of the artist’s immense popularity.
“He ranks among the leading and best-loved entertainers in the world,” he said. “That’s what we aim to accomplish. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”
