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America's top football league will not remove the global music icon as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell stated this week.

In doing so, Goodell stood by the choice to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the debate during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the selection, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in online plays of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of people tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He recently opted to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the continental United States, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who performs primarily in his native language, is anticipated to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” Goodell commented. “He is aware of the platform that he’s on, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a united experience.”

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

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

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he said. “I can’t comprehend why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to select entertainment. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Goodell defended the choice this week, clarifying it was made because of the artist’s immense popularity.

“He ranks among the leading and best-loved entertainers globally,” he said. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important platform for the league. It serves as a key element to the overall experience.”