The National Football League Stands Firm on Bad Bunny Super Bowl Performance Despite Political Criticism
The NFL has no plans to drop the global music icon as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell announced this week.
In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked negative reactions from Donald Trump and his political base.
Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has spoken out on the appointment, which has attracted worldwide attention, including a rise in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.
“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner said. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an performer where we avoided some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers of people tuning in.”
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He lately decided to hold a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the mainland US, citing concerns about the expulsion of Latinos.
The artist, who sings primarily in his native language, is anticipated to do so at the Super Bowl.
“We’re confident it will deliver a spectacular performance,” Goodell said. “He understands the platform that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a united experience.”
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Super Bowl on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if the former president plans to be there, though he has made appearing in person at major sporting events a key aspect of his current presidency.
The political figure in an interview on right-leaning media Newsmax said he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny.
“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he said. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they attribute it to an outside booker they contracted to pick up entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”
Goodell supported the decision on Wednesday, explaining it was made because of Bad Bunny’s immense popularity.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” he said. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”
