Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took aim at Jake Paul after the boxer and MAGA-aligned influencer labeled Bad Bunny a “fake American” following the artist’s headline performance at the Super Bowl, igniting a social media firestorm that quickly spiraled into backlash, fact-checks, and reversals.
Paul, 29, attacked the Puerto Rican superstar on X during the halftime show, calling Bad Bunny “a fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America.” He urged followers to boycott the performance, writing that he would be “purposefully turning off the halftime show” and encouraging others to do the same in order to “show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences.”
Ocasio-Cortez fired back with a blistering response, accusing Paul of hypocrisy and taking a personal swipe. “A ‘fake American citizen?’” she wrote. “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.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a U.S. citizen by birth. Puerto Ricans have been considered American citizens since 1917, a fact highlighted in a community note added to Paul’s post. The note also pointed out that Paul himself has lived in Puerto Rico for years after relocating there in 2021 to take advantage of tax incentives. Paul reportedly lives in a $16 million mansion in Dorado.
The backlash extended beyond Democrats. Logan Paul publicly broke with his brother, writing, “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.”
As criticism mounted, Jake Paul attempted to clarify his remarks, saying he was being “misinterpreted” and insisting he did not mean Bad Bunny was literally a fake citizen. He later doubled down, arguing that his issue was with the singer’s criticism of ICE and what he described as disrespect toward the U.S. Hours later, Paul abruptly reversed course, posting, “Guys i love bad bunny idk what happened on my twitter last night ?? wtf,” and changing his bio to read, “Benito #1 fan.”
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, the first delivered entirely in Spanish, remains a cultural milestone, even as it continues to divide conservative circles.
