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The NFL will not drop Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that drew criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell addressed the debate during his news conference following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered global interest, including a rise in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have pushback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of Trump. He recently opted to do a 31-day residency in his homeland, avoiding stops in the continental United States, citing concerns 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 great show,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the Super Bowl on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to attend, although he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a key aspect of his current presidency.

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

“I don’t know his identity,” Trump said. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The commissioner defended the choice on Wednesday, explaining it was made because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the top and most popular entertainers globally,” he said. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important platform for us. It serves as a key component to the overall experience.”