AOC Rebukes Jake Paul Over Criticism of Bad Bunny Ahead of Super Bowl Halftime Show
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., fired back at boxer and social media personality Jake Paul on Monday following his disparaging remarks about Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican artist slated to perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show. The dispute unfolded as the Seattle Seahawks celebrated their second Super Bowl title with a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Paul had publicly criticized Bad Bunny, calling him a “fake American citizen” and vowing to boycott the halftime performance. The boxer’s comments sparked swift backlash, including from Ocasio-Cortez, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to challenge Paul’s characterization. “A ‘fake American citizen?’ Didn’t you MOVE to Puerto Rico to avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry?” she wrote, highlighting the congresswoman’s long-standing advocacy for social programs that support low-income youth.
Ocasio-Cortez further praised Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez, for his philanthropic efforts, noting that he “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.”
In response, Paul clarified that his criticism was directed at Bad Bunny’s vocal opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, not his Puerto Rican heritage or citizenship. “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,” Paul explained, referencing his own residency on the island.
Bad Bunny’s upcoming halftime show has generated significant attention, both for his status as a Grammy Award-winning artist and for the cultural significance of his performance. The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched musical events annually, with millions tuning in nationwide and around the world. The event is overseen by the National Football League (NFL), which works closely with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure broadcast standards.
Jake Paul, who has gained notoriety both inside and outside the boxing ring, has been a controversial figure himself. His recent heavyweight bout against Anthony Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami drew widespread media coverage. Despite his athletic pursuits, Paul remains a divisive personality, often engaging in public spats on social media platforms.
The debate over Bad Bunny’s citizenship and political stances touches on broader conversations about Puerto Rico’s status and the island’s relationship with the United States. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens by birthright, a fact codified by the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917. However, the island’s political status as a U.S. territory means residents do not have full voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections.
Bad Bunny has been outspoken on various social and political issues, including immigration and the rights of Puerto Ricans. His criticism of ICE aligns with broader calls from activists and some elected officials who argue for reform or abolition of the agency. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate, particularly regarding its enforcement tactics and impact on immigrant communities.
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez has been a vocal advocate for expanding access to education, arts, and sports programs for underprivileged youth, often linking such initiatives to broader social equity goals. Her rebuke of Paul underscores the intersection of celebrity, politics, and social responsibility.
As the Super Bowl LX halftime show approaches, the spotlight remains on Bad Bunny’s performance and the cultural conversations it inspires. The NFL’s collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission ensures the event meets broadcast regulations, while fans and critics alike await the spectacle.
For more on the Super Bowl and related cultural events, visit the NFL’s official website and the U.S. government’s portal for updates on national events and policies.
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