AOC Slams Jake Paul Over 'Fake American Citizen' Claim Against Bad Bunny

Congresswoman defends Puerto Rican artist after boxer's criticism of his stance against ICE

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back at boxer Jake Paul on Monday after the fighter called Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny a 'fake American citizen' and vowed to boycott the Super Bowl LX halftime show featuring the Grammy-winning musician. Ocasio-Cortez defended Bad Bunny, saying he 'actually funds low income kids' access to arts and sports programs' unlike Paul, who she accused of moving to Puerto Rico to 'avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry.'

Why it matters

The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration and the status of Puerto Rico, as well as the role of celebrity figures in these debates. It also showcases how politicians like Ocasio-Cortez are using social media to directly engage with and rebut high-profile critics.

The details

Paul later clarified that he was criticizing Bad Bunny's stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, despite the artist being an American citizen from Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny had prominently spoken out against ICE when accepting his Grammy Award for Album of the Year earlier in February, saying 'ICE out' and defending immigrants. Ocasio-Cortez accused Paul of moving to Puerto Rico to 'avoid paying your taxes' in her response on X.

  • On February 9, 2026, Jake Paul called Bad Bunny a 'fake American citizen' and vowed to boycott the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
  • Earlier in February 2026, Bad Bunny spoke out against ICE when accepting his Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New York who defended Bad Bunny against Jake Paul's criticism.

Jake Paul

A professional boxer who criticized Bad Bunny as a 'fake American citizen' over the artist's stance against ICE.

Bad Bunny

A Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist who was the subject of Jake Paul's criticism and who spoke out against ICE during his Grammy acceptance speech.

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What they’re saying

“A 'fake American citizen?' Didn't you MOVE to Puerto Rico to avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry? Meanwhile Benito actually funds low income kids' access to arts and sports programs, while you defund them. Of course you're mad. He makes you look small.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative (X)

“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.”

— Jake Paul (X)

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration, the status of Puerto Rico, and the role of celebrity figures in these debates. It showcases how politicians like Ocasio-Cortez are using social media to directly engage with and rebut high-profile critics, while also raising questions about tax avoidance and the responsibilities of public figures.