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The NFL has no plans to remove the global music icon as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief 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 Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the debate during his media briefing following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the selection, which has garnered 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’ve ever selected an performer where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of people that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He lately decided to hold a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping stops in the mainland US, citing concerns about the expulsion of Latinos.

The artist, who performs in Spanish, is anticipated to do so at the big game.

“We believe it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell commented. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and in my view it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”

The host team are hosting the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if the former president intends to attend, though he has turned physical attendance at high-profile games a key aspect of his second term.

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

“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” Trump stated. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to select entertainment. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell defended the decision on Wednesday, explaining it was made because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the top and most popular performers in the world,” Goodell affirmed. “That’s what we try to achieve. It represents a crucial platform for the league. It’s an important element to the overall experience.”