Commissioner Roger Goodell Defends Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance Amid Backlash
NEW YORK (October 23, 2025) — In a press conference following the NFL’s Fall League Meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Roger Goodell stood by the decision to feature Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, despite backlash from former U.S. President Donald Trump and some of his supporters.
Goodell addressed the controversy, which has made waves since the announcement in late September. The inclusion of the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist on the world’s biggest stage has sparked criticism, primarily due to Bad Bunny’s vocal opposition to Trump’s policies. However, the NFL Commissioner emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration and highlighted the artist’s unparalleled popularity.
A Carefully Considered Decision
“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell remarked, acknowledging that no artist selection is without its critics. “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.”
Despite the controversy, which includes criticism from Trump, Goodell reaffirmed his confidence in the choice, citing Bad Bunny’s immense global appeal. The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become one of the most influential Latin music icons in the world, known for his distinctive style, cultural influence, and prolific music career.
Trump Criticism and NFL’s Response
The decision to bring Bad Bunny to the Super Bowl stage has drawn strong reactions, particularly from former President Trump, who dismissed the performer in an interview on Newsmax. “I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy.”
However, Goodell quickly brushed aside such criticism, focusing on the artist’s unparalleled success. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell stated. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”
Goodell also stressed that Bad Bunny understands the significance of the Super Bowl platform and is poised to deliver a performance that will unite fans and showcase Latin culture to a global audience. “We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” Goodell said, adding that the artist’s performance will be an exciting and unifying moment.
Bad Bunny’s Impact on Latin Music and Culture
Bad Bunny, who performs primarily in Spanish, has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his administration’s policies, especially those targeting the Latino community. Notably, Bad Bunny chose to forgo mainland U.S. dates for his 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, a decision rooted in his stance on mass deportation and other political issues affecting Latinos in the U.S.
Despite this, Bad Bunny’s global popularity has only increased in recent years, with multiple albums reaching the top of the Billboard 200 charts and breaking numerous records. His selection as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime headliner not only marks a milestone in Latin music but also signifies a broader cultural shift in mainstream entertainment.
A Super Bowl to Remember
The Super Bowl LVX (2026) will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and with Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show, this year’s spectacle is expected to be one of the most exciting and culturally significant events in recent history. While it remains unclear whether Trump will attend, Goodell’s response is clear: the NFL is focused on bringing the best talent to the event, and Bad Bunny is undeniably one of the most captivating and influential entertainers of the current era.
As preparations for the Super Bowl continue, all eyes will remain on the halftime show, which is expected to be a celebration of Latin culture and a reflection of the growing global influence of artists like Bad Bunny.
