Influencer and professional boxer Jake Paul sparked controversy on Sunday after criticizing Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance, urging viewers to turn off the broadcast and labeling the Puerto Rican artist a "fake American."
Paul shared his remarks in a post on X during the halftime show, calling on fans to withdraw viewership as a form of protest. In his message, Paul claimed that large corporations should face consequences through reduced audience numbers and accused Bad Bunny of publicly opposing the United States.
"A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America," Paul wrote. "I cannot support that."
The comments quickly drew attention online, particularly given that both Jake Paul and his brother Logan Paul have lived in Puerto Rico since 2021, a move Logan previously acknowledged was influenced by the island's tax incentive programs. The brothers' residency has been cited in past discussions surrounding wealth migration to Puerto Rico.
This is not the first time the Paul family has criticized Bad Bunny. In 2022, Logan Paul questioned the artist's stance on Puerto Rico's tax laws following the release of Bad Bunny's documentary El Apagón - Aquí Vive Gente, which examined gentrification and displacement affecting local communities.
Jake Paul's remarks about the halftime show follow a series of recent political posts. In separate messages, he criticized individuals who oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and directed a derogatory comment toward singer Billie Eilish after she condemned ICE during the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Bad Bunny has not publicly responded to Paul's comments.
While the exchange highlights ongoing tensions surrounding politics, identity, and celebrity influence, it also underscores how public platforms can amplify divisive rhetoric. For many observers, the moment serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with visibility-an idea echoed across faith traditions that emphasize restraint, respect, and thoughtful speech.
