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The NFL has no plans to drop Bad Bunny as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the choice to feature the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that sparked negative reactions from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

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 selection, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an artist where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He lately opted to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping performances in the mainland US, citing concerns about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who sings in Spanish, is expected to continue this at the big game.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” the NFL commissioner said. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a unifying 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 made appearing in person at major sporting events a key aspect of his second term.

The political figure during a discussion on right-leaning media the outlet claimed he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to select talent. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

The commissioner supported the choice this week, explaining it was made because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the leading and best-loved entertainers in the world,” he said. “This is exactly what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”