Amanda Serrano has responded to Jake Paul’s criticism of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny performed during halftime of Sunday’s Super Bowl LX event, where he sang almost entirely in Spanish. He was chastised by Paul, who currently resides in Puerto Rico.
“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 citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”
Unified featherweight boxing champion Serrano, who signed to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions in 2021, appreciates how “The Problem Child” has been supporting her career, but not his comments targeting Bad Bunny as a fake American citizen.
“Tonight I am here where I’m supposed to be in my beautiful Island with my people celebrating and watching with awe how well Benito represented us and our culture I am proud to be Puerto Rican, and I am proud to be an American citizen. Puerto Ricans are not “fake Americans.” We are citizens who have contributed to this country in every field, from military service to sports, business, science, and the arts, and our identity and citizenship deserve respect. I would not have the opportunities I have today without the support and belief that Most Valuable Promotions and Jake Paul showed in me, and I will always be grateful for the role they have played in helping change my life and in elevating women’s boxing. At the same time, I want to be clear: I do not agree with statements that question the legitimacy or identity of Puerto Rican people, and I cannot support that characterization. It is wrong. I fight with the pride of Puerto Rico and represent my flag every time I step into the ring. I will always stand with my people, with respect for who we are, and with pride in where we come from. I will never change and will forever be a Proud Boricua.”
Paul responded by clarifying that he’s not dubbing Bad Bunny as a fake American citizen. He just doesn’t like his criticism of ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has come under fire for its tactics.
“The problem with my tweet is the word fake being misinterpreted he’s not a fake citizen obviously bc hes Puerto Rican and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country Moreso Bunny is fake bc of his values and criticism of our great country.”
“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 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. 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.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Amanda Serrano takes umbrage with Jake Paul’s ‘fake citizen’ comment
