Jake Paul Clarifies Comments on Bad Bunny

Boxer and social media figure Jake Paul clarified that he did not label Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as a “fake national” in his critical tweet regarding the singer’s upcoming performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026.

Paul, who recently invested in a $20 million mansion in Dorado, Puerto Rico, tweeted that he aimed to “intentionally stop the halftime show” as he felt he could not back it, given Bad Bunny’s “public disdain for America.”

He stated, “I did not call anyone a ‘fake national’ simply for being from Puerto Rico. I reside in Puerto Rico and have a deep appreciation for it. I have often used my platform to advocate for Puerto Rico and will keep doing so. However, if someone is criticizing ICE and expressing dislike for America, I’m going to address that. It’s similar to my reason for speaking out against Hunter Hess,” referring to an Olympic skier who voiced mixed feelings about representing the U.S.

Paul elaborated, “When you take advantage of what a country offers yet publicly insult it, you’re not being genuine as a citizen.” He added that both he and Bad Bunny should share love instead of hate, emphasizing patriotism.

In a follow-up tweet, he explained that his remarks were misinterpreted. “The issue with my tweet is that the word fake was misunderstood. He isn’t a fake citizen because he’s Puerto Rican, and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans supporting the nation. It’s more about his expressed values and attitude towards our great country,” he wrote.

Notably, Paul’s original post included a warning from X, highlighting that he has been living in Puerto Rico since 2021 and that the residents there are U.S. citizens.

Some backlash arose against Bad Bunny, particularly because he delivered his entire 13-minute performance in Spanish and publicly criticized ICE.

The Grammy-winning artist used his halftime show to promote a message of unity that honored Latin culture.

Former President Donald Trump also criticized Bad Bunny’s performance, labeling it “an insult to the greatness of America.”

Earlier, Paul attended a U.S. women’s hockey match where they triumphed over Finland 5-0 at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, alongside U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.