Roger Goodell stood agency Wednesday, defending the NFL’s alternative of Bad Bunny for Super Bowl LX’s halftime present regardless of mounting criticism from Donald Trump and conservative voices nationwide.

The NFL Commissioner addressed the brewing political storm throughout his post-Fall League Meeting press convention. Trump just lately blasted the choice, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and claiming he had “never heard of” the Puerto Rican celebrity.

“I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Trump acknowledged.

Goodell pushed again in opposition to the backlash with measured confidence.

“It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching,” he explained.

The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has emerged as a dominant drive in world leisure. Bad Bunny at the moment leads the 2025 Latin Grammy nominations with 12 nods and just lately earned recognition as Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.

His spectacular trophy assortment contains three Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammy Awards. The reggaeton icon additionally holds a historic file with 27 nominations for the 2025 Billboard Latin music Awards.

Bad Bunny’s political stance has intensified the controversy surrounding his Super Bowl choice. The artist has been vocal in opposing Trump’s insurance policies and just lately accomplished a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico whereas avoiding mainland U.S. performances.

He cited concerns about the potential mass deportation of Latinos as motivation for limiting his American tour dates. The resolution to carry out primarily in Spanish on the February 8 Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium has additional amplified conservative criticism.

Goodell remained unwavering in his assist for the selection. “We’re confident it’s going to be a great show. He understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment,” the Commissioner declared.

The NFL chief emphasised Bad Bunny’s world enchantment and leisure worth. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value,” Goodell concluded.

The announcement in late September generated worldwide consideration and elevated streaming numbers for Bad Bunny’s music catalog. Conservative critics have continued voicing opposition to that includes a Spanish-speaking performer at America’s premier sporting occasion.

Super Bowl LX takes place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

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