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The NFL has no plans to remove Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the league’s biggest stage, a move that drew negative reactions from the former president and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the controversy during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we didn’t have pushback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people tuning in.”

The reggaeton star, 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 Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the continental United States, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who performs in Spanish, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We believe it will deliver a great show,” Goodell commented. “He understands the opportunity that he has, and I think it’s going to be thrilling and a united moment.”

The host team are hosting the championship game on February 8 at the Santa Clara venue in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if the former president plans to attend, although he has turned physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his second term.

Trump in an interview on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I don’t know who he is,” he said. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to select entertainment. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Goodell supported the decision on Wednesday, clarifying it was determined because of the artist’s immense popularity.

“He’s one of the leading and best-loved performers globally,” he affirmed. “This is exactly what we try to accomplish. It represents a crucial stage for us. It serves as a key element to the overall experience.”