NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stood his ground on the decision to have Bad Bunny perform during the Super Bowl LX halftime show, defying criticism from President Donald Trump and a segment of NFL fans. Despite the controversy surrounding the Grammy-winning artist’s political comments and his decision to avoid U.S. tour dates due to fears of ICE involvement, Goodell emphasized that the selection was a result of careful consideration and the artist’s global appeal. The NFL commissioner made his stance clear at the annual Fall League Meeting, where he acknowledged the backlash but reiterated the importance of the halftime show as a major entertainment component of the Super Bowl.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become a focal point of the controversy. His public denunciations of U.S. immigration enforcement, including ICE operations in Puerto Rico, have drawn sharp criticism from Trump and his supporters. In a recent interview with i-D, Bad Bunny expressed his concerns about the potential for his fans to be detained by ICE agents, which led to the decision to skip U.S. tour dates. He also released videos of what he described as ICE raids in Puerto Rico, criticizing the agency’s presence and its impact on the community. These comments have further fueled the debate around the artist’s role in the Super Bowl halftime show.
Trump’s criticism of the selection has been particularly pointed. He called the decision ‘ridiculous’ and claimed he had never heard of Bad Bunny before the announcement. However, Goodell defended the choice, noting that Bad Bunny is one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. The NFL commissioner argued that the Super Bowl halftime show is an important stage for global artists, and that the decision aligns with the league’s efforts to provide a world-class entertainment experience. Despite the political ramifications, Goodell remains confident in the artistic value of the show and its ability to bring people together, regardless of political affiliations.
The Super Bowl halftime show is set to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 10, 2026. As the event approaches, the debate over the selection of Bad Bunny continues to reflect broader discussions about the role of entertainment in political discourse. The NFL’s decision to proceed with the show underscores its commitment to leveraging the platform for high-profile performances, even amidst controversy.