Logan Paul expressed his admiration for the Super Bowl halftime performers while taking a stand against his brother, Jake Paul, after the latter made controversial comments about the Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny. The internet personality and influencer, known for his colorful personality, defended Bad Bunny, who rose to fame from Puerto Rico, emphasizing that Puerto Ricans are indeed Americans.
In a post shared late Sunday on X, Logan Paul stated, “I love my brother but I don’t agree with this.” He tailored his words to highlight the significance of Puerto Rican representation in mainstream platforms like the Super Bowl, saying, “I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”
Earlier in the day, Jake Paul sparked a firestorm by announcing his intention to turn off the Super Bowl when Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, took to the stage. He framed his actions as a form of protest against corporate America, insisting that audiences should show they have the power to influence major corporations by not watching the halftime show. He described Bad Bunny as a “fake American citizen” who publicly criticizes the United States.
However, a note accompanying Jake’s message informed readers that over a century ago, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship, making Jake’s comments both misleading and inflammatory. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, herself of Puerto Rican descent, criticized Jake Paul for moving to Puerto Rico to evade taxes while Bad Bunny actively contributes to community programs supporting low-income children.
After facing backlash, Jake Paul attempted to clarify his remarks, asserting that he was not questioning citizenship but was addressing criticisms directed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He argued that if someone benefits from a country but also denounces it, he feels compelled to speak out.
Bad Bunny’s recent accolades include a Grammy win for best música urbana album, during which he made a powerful statement promoting affirmation for Puerto Rican identity, stating, “We are humans, and we are Americans.”
Disney’s streaming service offered fans an alternative halftime show for those uninterested in Bad Bunny’s performance, headlined by Kid Rock, who performed a different set of songs and included tributes to Turning Point USA’s late co-founder Charlie Kirk. This alternative halftime event ran longer than Bad Bunny’s performance itself.
Overall, the discussions surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show highlight the complexities of identity and representation, as well as the tensions between celebrity opinions and public sentiment. The ongoing conversation reflects a broader dialogue about cultural expression and inclusivity in major entertainment platforms.