Jake Paul Clarifies ‘Fake American’ Comment About Bad Bunny During Super Bowl Halftime Show

Jake Paul addressed backlash this week after comments he made about Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl LX halftime show drew widespread criticism online.

On Sunday, Paul posted on X that he was “purposefully” turning off Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. He criticized the choice, calling the artist a “fake American citizen” and encouraging other viewers to turn off the show. The comment spread quickly and prompted immediate criticism across social media, including public pushback from his brother, Logan Paul.

“Purposefully turning off the halftime show 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 citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”

Before yesterday’s performance, Bad Bunny had just won three Grammy Awards and had recently made public statements opposing ICE. Many interpreted Paul’s posts as an attack on the artist’s identity, which the YouTuber-turned-boxer attempted to clarify again.

“The problem with my tweet is the word fake being misinterpreted he’s not a fake citizen obviously bc hes Puerto Rican and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country Moreso Bunny is fake bc of his values and criticism of our great country”

The following day, Jake Paul again clarified his stance. In a longer message, he said he lives in Puerto Rico and has deep respect for the island and its people. He stressed that his remarks were not meant to question anyone’s heritage or citizenship. Paul explained that his criticism focused on what he views as public figures benefiting from the United States while openly criticizing it. He referenced Bad Bunny’s comments about ICE as the core issue, not his background. Paul added that he has taken similar positions in past disputes involving other public figures. He closed his clarification by saying he believes “love is more powerful than hate” and expressed pride in being American.

“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. 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. 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. Love America.”

Paul and his brother Logan have lived in Dorado, Puerto Rico, since 2021, a move they have openly discussed. Jake Paul also mentioned that he “loves” Bad Bunny.

“Guys i love bad bunny idk what happened on my twitter last night ?? wtf”

Purposefully turning off the halftime show

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…

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 8, 2026

The problem with my tweet is the word fake being misinterpreted

he's not a fake citizen obviously bc hes Puerto Rican and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country

Moreso Bunny is fake bc of his values and criticism of our great country

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026

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.

But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing…

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026

Guys i love bad bunny idk what happened on my twitter last night ?? wtf

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026