Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show sparked backlash from Jake Paul, who called him a “fake American,” but AOC and fans defended his Puerto Rican citizenship a...
- February 15, 2026
AceShowbiz - Bad Bunny delivered a standout performance at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, drawing praise from many but also sparking backlash from some right-wing figures. Among the more bizarre critiques was from influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who labeled the Puerto Rican artist a “fake American citizen.”
This claim quickly drew widespread correction, with social media users highlighting that Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. However, it was U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who offered the most pointed response to Paul’s remarks.
“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,” AOC tweeted.
Indeed, Jake Paul and his brother Logan relocated to Puerto Rico in 2021, joining a growing number of affluent individuals attracted by the island’s tax incentives. This move has sparked criticism for contributing to the displacement of local residents and driving up housing costs.
Bad Bunny has openly addressed these issues in his work, particularly in the music video and documentary for his song “El Apagón” from the album Un Verano Sin Ti. The song’s title, meaning “blackout,” references Puerto Rico’s aging power grid and frequent outages, which were symbolically incorporated into his Super Bowl set with dancers on electric poles.
Logan Paul previously responded to Bad Bunny’s critiques of the tax program, calling them hypocritical since the artist benefits from the same exemptions he condemns. In a 2022 interview, Logan said he found it contradictory that Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican resident, publicly criticized a system he privately used.
Despite his criticism of Bad Bunny, Logan distanced himself from his brother Jake’s “fake American citizen” accusation. On X, Logan stated, “I love my brother but I don’t agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”
The debate highlights the complex intersection of cultural identity, economic policies, and celebrity influence, with Bad Bunny championing local issues through his music while facing scrutiny from prominent figures like the Paul brothers.
