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The NFL has no plans to remove the global music icon as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the decision to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew negative reactions from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell addressed the debate during his news conference following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a rise in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of fans that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He recently decided to hold a 31-day residency in his homeland, skipping stops in the continental United States, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The artist, who performs in Spanish, is anticipated to continue this at the big game.

“We’re confident it will deliver a great show,” the NFL commissioner said. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it will prove exciting and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the Super Bowl on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if the former president intends to be there, although he has turned physical attendance at major sporting events a significant part of his second term.

The political figure in an interview on right-leaning media the outlet said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” he stated. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell defended the choice on Wednesday, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He ranks among the leading and most popular entertainers globally,” he affirmed. “That’s what we aim to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”