Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Will Go On, Says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

NEW YORK — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Wednesday that the league will not reconsider its decision to feature global superstar Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Speaking after the NFL’s annual fall owners meeting, Goodell addressed the growing debate surrounding the Puerto Rican artist’s selection, calling it a “carefully thought through” choice.

“I’m not sure we’ve ever picked an artist without some criticism,” Goodell said. “It’s hard to please everyone when hundreds of millions of people are watching.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been outspoken in his opposition to Trump’s policies and often uses his platform to highlight Latino and Puerto Rican issues. He is expected to perform entirely in Spanish during the show.

Trump, in an interview with Newsmax, dismissed the decision, saying he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny and calling the move “ridiculous.”

Goodell defended the NFL’s decision, saying, “He’s one of the world’s leading entertainers. We believe it’s going to be an exciting and unifying performance.”

The Super Bowl, hosted by the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is scheduled for February 8.

 (AP)