NFL Stands Firm on Bad Bunny Halftime Show Performance Despite Political Backlash
The NFL has no plans to remove Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.
With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the choice to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that sparked criticism from the former president and his political base.
Goodell addressed 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 global interest, including a surge in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.
“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner remarked. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of fans tuning in.”
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He lately opted to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, avoiding stops in the mainland US, referencing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.
The artist, who sings in Spanish, is expected to do so at the big game.
“We believe it will deliver a great show,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a united moment.”
The host team are hosting the championship game on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump plans to be there, though he has turned appearing in person at high-profile games a key aspect of his second term.
The political figure in an interview on right-leaning media the outlet claimed he had “never heard of” the performer.
“I don’t know his identity,” he said. “I can’t comprehend why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they hired to select talent. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”
Goodell defended the choice on Wednesday, clarifying it was determined because of the artist’s immense popularity.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers globally,” he said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important platform for the league. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”
