The already heated controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime performance exploded further today when YouTube star and boxer Jake Paul publicly urged fans to boycott the show, accusing the Puerto Rican superstar of being “anti-American” and questioning his citizenship.
In a video posted to his 20+ million-subscriber YouTube channel, Paul said:
“I’m calling on everyone to turn off the halftime show. Bad Bunny has made it clear where he stands — he’s anti-ICE, anti-American law enforcement, and now he’s headlining the biggest American event of the year. If you support our country and our borders, change the channel. Puerto Rico is part of America — act like it or don’t perform on our stage.”
“I’m calling on everyone to turn off the halftime show. Bad Bunny has made it clear where he stands — he’s anti-ICE, anti-American law enforcement, and now he’s headlining the biggest American event of the year. If you support our country and our borders, change the channel. Puerto Rico is part of America — act like it or don’t perform on our stage.”
Paul’s remarks quickly drew widespread backlash, with many accusing him of xenophobia and conflating Bad Bunny’s criticism of ICE policies with anti-American sentiment. The video has been viewed more than 18 million times in less than 24 hours, sparking thousands of heated replies and memes.
The controversy took an unexpected turn when Jake’s older brother, Logan Paul — also a prominent YouTuber, podcaster, and WWE star — publicly distanced himself from the boycott call and defended Bad Bunny’s right to perform.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) that has since gone viral with over 1.4 million likes, Logan wrote:
“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. Bad Bunny earned this spot. Let the man perform.”
“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. Bad Bunny earned this spot. Let the man perform.”
Logan’s statement shifted the debate toward themes of Puerto Rican identity, cultural representation, and family disagreement — earning praise from fans, celebrities, and even some conservative commentators who appreciated the nuance.
Bad Bunny, who has not directly responded to either Paul brother, has faced mounting criticism from conservative media and social media personalities over his “ICE out” comment during his Grammy acceptance speech last week. The remark, made in response to recent ICE operations in Minneapolis, has been interpreted by some as anti-law-enforcement and by others as a legitimate critique of policy.
The Super Bowl halftime show, produced by Roc Nation and broadcast on CBS, is expected to draw more than 110 million viewers worldwide. Bad Bunny’s performance is already one of the most anticipated in recent years, given his status as the biggest Latin music artist in the world and his history of blending reggaeton, trap, and political messaging.
Jake Paul’s boycott call has drawn sharp condemnation from Puerto Rican and Latino advocacy groups, who called it “xenophobic dog-whistling” and an attack on cultural expression. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued a statement saying: “Bad Bunny is an American citizen representing Puerto Rico — the largest U.S. territory. Questioning his right to perform is an attack on all Puerto Ricans.”
Logan Paul’s response, meanwhile, has been praised by many as a rare example of public disagreement within a famous family that still maintains mutual respect.
The Paul brothers have a history of public spats but usually present a united front on major issues. This split has become a secondary storyline ahead of the Super Bowl, with fans and commentators debating whether it reflects genuine ideological differences or simply contrasting approaches to publicity.
The NFL and Roc Nation have not commented on the Paul brothers’ remarks or the boycott call. Bad Bunny’s team has remained silent, allowing the performance itself to serve as his response.
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, one thing is clear: the halftime show is no longer just about music.
It has become a cultural and political battleground.And the Paul family just added fuel to the fire.
It has become a cultural and political battleground.And the Paul family just added fuel to the fire.
