Jake Paul Clarifies 'Fake Citizen' Stance After Bad Bunny Super Bowl Criticism

Influencer says he wasn't calling Puerto Rican singer a 'fake citizen' due to his nationality.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boxer and influencer Jake Paul explained that he wasn't calling Bad Bunny a 'fake citizen' in his tweet criticizing the Puerto Rican singer's Super Bowl 2026 halftime show. Paul, who purchased a $20 million mansion in Dorado, Puerto Rico in 2023, said he was referring to Bad Bunny's public criticism of ICE and America, not his citizenship. Paul clarified that he loves Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country, but said that 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.'

Why it matters

Paul's comments sparked backlash, as Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. The controversy highlights ongoing debates around nationalism, patriotism, and the relationship between celebrities, politics, and national identity.

The details

In his initial tweet, Paul said he was 'purposely turning off the halftime show' because Bad Bunny 'publicly hates America.' After facing criticism, Paul clarified that he wasn't calling Bad Bunny a 'fake citizen' because of his Puerto Rican nationality, but rather due to the singer's public criticism of ICE and America. Paul, who has been living in Puerto Rico since 2021, said he loves Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country, but believes that 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.'

  • Jake Paul purchased a $20 million mansion in Dorado, Puerto Rico in 2023.
  • The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny took place on February 8, 2026.

The players

Jake Paul

A boxer and influencer who purchased a $20 million mansion in Dorado, Puerto Rico in 2023.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer who performed the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, which he presented in Spanish and included a message of unity for his Latin culture.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who slammed Bad Bunny's halftime show, calling it 'an affront to the Greatness of America.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jake Paul, Boxer and Influencer

“The problem with my tweet is the word fake being misinterpreted he's not a fake citizen obviously bc he's 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, Boxer and Influencer

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Jake Paul's clarification will quell the controversy over his comments about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around nationalism, patriotism, and the role of celebrities in political discourse. It also underscores the complexities of Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States and the ongoing debates around citizenship and national identity.