Jake Paul’s attack on Bad Bunny triggers rare public split with star fighter Amanda Serrano, exposing vulnerability in island operations
Jake Paul’s promotional empire hit turbulence Sunday when his most outstanding fighter publicly rebuked him for calling Bad Bunny a “fake American,” a comment that sent shockwaves through boxing’s Puerto Rican community and raised questions on the YouTube star’s future on an island central to his business operations.
Purposefully turning off the halftime show
Let’s rally together and show big corporations they’ll’t just do whatever they need without consequences
(which equals viewership for them)
You’re their profit. Realize you will have power.
Turn off this halftime. A fake American…
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 8, 2026
Paul posted the inflammatory message hours before Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, urging viewers to boycott the show in response to the Puerto Rican reggaeton star’s scheduled appearance. “A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that,” Paul wrote, framing the Puerto Rican artist’s citizenship as illegitimate.
The response was swift and damaging. Amanda Serrano, a seven-division champion and the cornerstone of Paul’s Most Priceless Promotions, issued a press release that cut to the center of the difficulty while maintaining skilled composure.
Tonight I’m here where I’m imagined to be in my beautiful Island with my people celebrating and watching with awe how well Benito represented us and our culture
I’m proud to be Puerto Rican, and I’m proud to be an American citizen. Puerto Ricans usually are not “fake Americans.” We…
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) February 9, 2026
“Puerto Ricans usually are not ‘fake Americans.’ We’re residents who’ve contributed to this country in every field, from military service to sports, business, science, and the humanities, and our identity and citizenship deserve respect,” Serrano wrote. Her follow-up was equally pointed: “I don’t agree with statements that query the legitimacy or identity of Puerto Rican people, and I cannot support that characterization. It’s flawed.”
The general public fracture represents rare daylight between promoter and fighter in a relationship built on mutual financial profit. Serrano has headlined multiple Paul-promoted cards and serves as the general public face of his women’s boxing initiatives. Her willingness to challenge him publicly signals each the severity of the offense and potential complications for future negotiations.
Even Logan Paul separated himself from his brother’s stance. “I like my brother but I do not agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m completely happy they got the chance to showcase the talent that comes from the island,” he posted.
I like my brother but I don’t agree with this
Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m completely happy they got the chance to showcase the talent that comes from the island https://t.co/yCsuwa79gk
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) February 9, 2026
The controversy strikes at Paul’s operational foundation. He maintains a Puerto Rico residence for tax purposes and promotes several island-based fighters. The game’s business model relies heavily on local support—venue partnerships, municipal backing, and regional fan bases that drive gate receipts and streaming numbers.
Popularity damage moves faster than knockout highlights in boxing’s tight-knit circles, where sanctioning bodies, venue operators, and athletic commissions watch promoter conduct closely. Paul now faces a credibility test in a territory he cannot afford to lose.