Jake Paul Backtracks on Bad Bunny and Puerto Rico Comments After Backlash
The New England Patriots were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX on Sunday, but it seems the biggest L yesterday was taken off the field.
Influencer turned professional boxer, Jake Paul, was ridiculed on social media after making denigrating remarks about halftime show performer Bad Bunny and Puerto Rico.
Paul woke up on Monday morning saying his comments had been misconstrued.
Paul's Original Post
"Purposefully turning off the halftime show," the 29-year-old posted to X hours before kickoff on Sunday. He then implored his peers to "rally together and show big corporations they can't just do whatever they want without consequences," which directly translates into viewership ratings.
"Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that," he concluded.
Purposefully turning off the halftime show
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 8, 2026
Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences
(which equals viewership for them)
You are their benefit. Realize you have power.
Turn off this halftime. A fake American…
Paul received immense backlash for the post, with several social media users suggesting the boxer was being rather hypocritical, considering he is a resident of the United States territory. Back in 2023 he posted a YouTube video boasting about buying a $16 million property in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
"Bro you cant talk about “fake Americans” when you moved from the US to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes," one user wrote.
Citizens that live in the United States territory are not required to pay federal income taxes.
"You moved to to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes, and you're now calling a native Puerto Rican a fake American. What does that make you?" another person echoed.
Big Brother Wouldn't Back Paul
Even Paul's older brother, and fellow resident of Puerto Rico, Logan Paul, objected to his brother's statement. "I love my brother but I don't agree with this," he wrote to X. "Puerto Ricans are Americans & I'm happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island."
I love my brother but I don’t agree with this
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) February 9, 2026
Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island https://t.co/yCsuwa79gk
Paul Backpeddals
On Monday, Paul started to walk back his remarks.
"The problem with my tweet is the word fake being misinterpreted," he wrote on X, stating he knew Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is an American citizen. He clarified the musician's supposed fakeness stemmed from "his values and criticism of our great country."
Paul posted another statement, clarifying his adoration for Puerto Rico. "I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so."
To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a “fake citizen” because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026
But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing…
"But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing their job and openly hating on America, I’m going to speak on it. Period. That’s the same reason I called out Hunter Hess," an Olympic Freestyle Skiier who recently spoke out against the current US political climate. "If you benefit from a country and the platform it gives you, but publicly disrespect it at the same time, that’s what I mean by being a fake citizen. And I agree love is more powerful than hate," he said, referencing a statement that appeared on the jumbotron during Bad Bunny's halftime performance. "Love America," he concluded.
Bad Bunny's Commentary
In the past, the 31-year-old singer has spoken out against the current presidential administration. He also chose not to hold shows in the United States during his last tour out of concern his concerts would attract immigration enforcement officers.
“There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate—I’ve performed there many times. All of [the shows] have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the US But specifically, for a residency here in Puerto Rico, when we are an unincorporated territory of the US… People from the US could come here to see the show," he told i-D magazine in September.
"Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the United States could also travel here, or to any part of the world. But there was the issue of—like, f—ing ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.
In an effort to bring levity to the situation, Paul posted, "Guys i love bad bunny idk what happened on my twitter last night ?? wtf."
Guys i love bad bunny idk what happened on my twitter last night ?? wtf
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026
His current X bio also reads, "Benito #1 fan."
Bad Bunny has not commented on the discourse.