Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly criticized boxer and influencer Jake Paul on Monday after Paul referred to music star Bad Bunny as a “fake American citizen” and announced he would boycott the Super Bowl LX halftime show, as reported by The New York Post.

The exchange followed Bad Bunny’s halftime performance during Super Bowl LX, which concluded with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots 29–13 to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl title.

Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat representing New York, was among those praising the Grammy Award-winning artist’s performance.

Paul, reacting to the halftime show and Bad Bunny’s recent political remarks, used social media to criticize the singer and stated he would not support the Super Bowl halftime event.

Purposefully turning off the halftime show

Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences(which equals viewership for them)You are their benefit. Realize you have power.Turn off this halftime. A fake American…— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 8, 2026

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His comments quickly drew a response from Ocasio-Cortez, who posted a pointed reply on X.

“A ‘fake American citizen?’ Didn’t you MOVE to Puerto Rico to avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry?” Ocasio-Cortez wrote.

“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.”

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. https://t.co/lLfY8pcBLn— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 9, 2026

Paul later issued a follow-up post clarifying his remarks, saying his criticism was not based on Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican heritage but on the artist’s public opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

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“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,” Paul wrote on X.

Paul said his comments were directed at Bad Bunny’s public criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, despite holding American citizenship.

“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,” Paul added.

Paul continued by explaining what he meant by the phrase “fake citizen,” framing it as a criticism of public figures who benefit from the United States while attacking it publicly.

“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,” Paul wrote.

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…— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, recently made headlines for remarks opposing ICE during his acceptance speech for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards earlier this month.

“ICE out,” Bad Bunny said during the ceremony. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans, and we are Americans.”

Bad Bunny says "ICE OUT" at the #Grammys and receives a massive standing ovation:

"We are not savage, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans. The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.… pic.twitter.com/IFzvguqdCR— Variety (@Variety) February 2, 2026

The comments have fueled broader debate online, blending pop culture, immigration enforcement, and national politics, while drawing responses from high-profile figures across entertainment and government.

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