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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 reaffirmed the decision to place the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew negative reactions from the former president and some of his supporters.

Goodell commented on the controversy during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a rise in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an performer where we avoided some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He lately decided to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping performances in the mainland US, referencing apprehensions about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it will deliver a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner commented. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a united moment.”

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

Trump during a discussion on conservative news network the outlet said he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I don’t know who he is,” he stated. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to select entertainment. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell supported the choice this week, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s immense popularity.

“He’s one of the top and most popular performers in the world,” he said. “This is exactly what we try to accomplish. It represents a crucial platform for the league. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”