Jake Paul clarifies controversial remarks about Bad Bunny, makes joke of situation

Jake Paul had something to say regarding Bad Bunny’s selection as this year’s Super Bowl halftime performer and now has to explain himself amid controversy.

Ahead of Super Bowl XL on Sunday, Paul tweeted in protest of the Puerto Rican megastar’s booking, writing that he is “purposefully turning off the halftime show.” Bad Bunny, the most streamed artist on the planet, has drawn major opposition from the Republican party for his criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly its immigration policies, which have led to mass deportations and the widespread deployment of ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) in major U.S. cities, most notably Minnesota in recent months.

See Paul’s full statement below.

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.

Paul’s comments drew immediate backlash from social media, with replies questioning what Paul meant by “fake American citizen” and pointing out that the influencer-turned-boxer lives and fights out of Puerto Rico. Commenters also accused Paul of living outside of the U.S. to take advantage of Puerto Rico’s tax legislation.

Paul’s brother, WWE Superstar Logan Paul, responded to Jake’s comments, noting that they are not on the same page when it comes to the Super Bowl halftime show.

“I love my brother but I don’t agree with this,” Logan wrote. “Puerto Ricans are Americans and I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”

The Paul brothers have previously publicly shown support for the Trump administration, with both attending the president’s inauguration in January 2025.

Another Paul associate to issue a response was boxing star Amanda Serrano, who hails from Puerto Rico and is contracted to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions brand. Serrano and Paul have worked closely over the past few years to boost the profile of women’s boxing and spotlight Serrano, a multi-time world champion, but on the issue of Bad Bunny they are at odds.

“I am proud to be Puerto Rican, and I am proud to be an American citizen,” Serrano wrote. “Puerto Ricans are not ‘fake Americans.’ We are citizens who have contributed to this country in every field, from military service to sports, business, science, and the arts, and our identity and citizenship deserve respect.

“I would not have the opportunities I have today without the support and belief that Most Valuable Promotions and Jake Paul showed in me, and I will always be grateful for the role they have played in helping change my life and in elevating women’s boxing. At the same time, I want to be clear: I do not agree with statements that question the legitimacy or identity of Puerto Rican people, and I cannot support that characterization. It is wrong.

“I fight with the pride of Puerto Rico and represent my flag every time I step into the ring. I will always stand with my people, with respect for who we are, and with pride in where we come from.”

Come Monday morning, Paul felt the need to clarify his comments.

“The problem with my tweet is the word ‘fake’ being misinterpreted,” Paul wrote. “He’s not a fake citizen obviously because he’s Puerto Rican and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country. More so Bunny is fake because of his values and criticism of our great country.”

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.

Later, Paul issued another tweet with a more joking tone, seeming to suggest he had no idea what the controversy was about and that he is actually a fan of Bad Bunny.