Ocasio-Cortez Has A Super Bowl Meltdown

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized social media influencer Jake Paul on Sunday after he urged fans to boycott the Super Bowl halftime show because it featured Bad Bunny.

Ahead of kickoff, Paul posted on X that he planned to “purposefully turn off the halftime show,” encouraging others to do the same as a way to push back against corporate decision-making tied to viewership numbers.

“You are their benefit. Realize you have power,” Paul wrote, calling on viewers to collectively disengage.

Paul escalated the criticism by labeling Bad Bunny, who was born in Puerto Rico, a “fake American citizen” and accusing the global music star of publicly disliking the United States. “I cannot support that,” he added.

Ocasio-Cortez, whose family is of Puerto Rican heritage, responded forcefully. In a post on X, she accused Paul of relocating to Puerto Rico to reduce his tax burden while criticizing an artist who she said actively gives back to underserved communities.

“Meanwhile Benito actually funds low-income kids’ access to arts and sports programs, while you defund them,” she wrote, referring to Bad Bunny by his first name. “Of course you’re mad. He makes you look small.”

Jake Paul’s brother, Logan Paul, publicly distanced himself from the remarks, writing that while he supports his brother, he did not agree with the criticism. Logan Paul emphasized that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and said he welcomed the opportunity for talent from the island to be showcased on such a large stage.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and those born there are American citizens.

Early Monday, Jake Paul walked back parts of his original statement, saying his comments had been misunderstood. He acknowledged that Bad Bunny is not a “fake citizen” and expressed appreciation for Puerto Rico, while maintaining that his criticism centered on what he described as the artist’s political values.

Bad Bunny has previously been outspoken on immigration issues. During his acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards earlier this month, he criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement, declaring, “ICE out,” and emphasizing the humanity of immigrants and Puerto Ricans.

During Sunday’s halftime performance, Bad Bunny concluded by saying “God Bless America,” naming countries throughout the Americas and ending with a message honoring Puerto Rico. His performance aired to an audience expected to exceed 100 million viewers nationwide.