NFL defends Bad Bunny amid right wing backlash

At the end of September, the NFL, in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.

Since the announcement, the league has faced widespread criticism, including comments from former President Donald Trump, who called the choice “ridiculous.” White House adviser Corey Lewandowski also criticized the league for selecting an artist who “seems to hate America so much to represent them in the halftime show.” Despite this, the NFL has stood by its decision.

According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the selection of the Super Bowl halftime show artist is a carefully considered process, and the league does not plan to back down, even amid criticism, particularly from MAGA supporters.

“He’s one of the most prominent and popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell told reporters. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish. He’s an important stage for us. He’s a key element of entertainment. It’s very carefully thought out.” The commissioner also noted that this is not the first time the league has faced backlash over its choice of halftime performers.

Contrary to Lewandowski’s claim, Bad Bunny has not expressed any animosity toward the United States. However, the singer was forced to cancel part of his U.S. tour due to concerns over immigration enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following his selection for the Super Bowl show, the government has threatened to carry out immigration operations on the day of the event.

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“There is no place where we can provide refuge for those who are in this country undocumented. Not at the Super Bowl or anywhere else. We will find them, arrest them, detain them, and deport them,” Lewandowski said. “If there are undocumented immigrants, I don’t care if it’s a Johnny Smith concert, Bad Bunny, or any other concert. We are going to enforce the law everywhere,” he added.

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