Jake Paul claims his criticism of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show was "misinterpreted"
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was widely criticised for posting critical comments about the Puerto Rican musician on social media - but Jake has now tried to clarify his initial remarks.
12 February 2026
Jake wrote on X: "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. (sic)"
In response, an X note explained: "People who live in Puerto Rico has been identified as US citizens since 1917.
"Additionally, Jake Paul, who has lived in Puerto Rico since 2021, still would technically qualify as a US citizen. (sic)"
Jake, 29, subsequently tried to clarify his initial comments.
He wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "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 (sic)"
Jake later added: "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. (sic)"
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