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The NFL will not remove the global music icon as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell stood by the decision to place the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the initial instance he has spoken out on the selection, which has garnered global interest, including a surge in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“It’s carefully thought through,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we didn’t have some blowback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of Trump. He recently decided to hold a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping performances in the mainland US, citing apprehensions about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is anticipated to continue this at the big game.

“We believe it will deliver a great show,” the NFL commissioner said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he has, and in my view it will prove exciting and a unifying experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is unclear if Trump intends to attend, though he has turned physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his current presidency.

The political figure during a discussion on conservative news network the outlet said he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know who he is,” he said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to pick up talent. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

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

“He’s one of the top and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important platform for us. It serves as a key component to the overall experience.”