Quick Read
- Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam won Olympic gold in the women’s 1,000m, setting a new Winter Games record (1:12.31).
- Her fiancé, Jake Paul, was in the stands, visibly emotional and crying during her victory.
- Paul faced renewed criticism during the Olympics for past controversial comments about Bad Bunny and American citizenship.
- Jake Paul’s brother, Logan Paul, publicly disagreed with his remarks about Bad Bunny.
- Leerdam acknowledged Paul’s significant support, crediting him for attending many of her races.
MILAN (Azat TV) – YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul recently garnered significant attention, showcasing a complex and often contradictory public persona during the Winter Olympics in Milan. While celebrating his fiancée, Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam’s gold medal win in the women’s 1,000m, an event where she set a new Olympic record, Paul simultaneously faced renewed backlash for controversial comments made about Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny and American citizenship. This dual spotlight highlights the diverse, and at times polarizing, roles Paul navigates in the public eye, influencing his evolving reputation beyond the boxing ring.
Olympic Record and Paul’s Emotional Support
Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam secured her first Olympic gold medal in the women’s 1,000m event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, clocking an Olympic record time of 1 minute, 12.31 seconds. Her victory on February 10, 2026, saw her surpass the previous Winter Games record set by her talented Dutch teammate, Femke Kok, just two heats earlier. Leerdam’s intense performance, which pitted her against defending champion Miho Takagi of Japan, culminated in an emotional celebration.
Jake Paul, who was present in the second row of the stands, was visibly moved by Leerdam’s triumph. As she crossed the finish line, Leerdam blew kisses to Paul and formed a heart shape with her hands, tears streaming down her face. Paul, too, was captured in tears, celebrating alongside Leerdam’s family. Leerdam later expressed her gratitude, stating, “He has supported me a lot more and has come to many of my races, so I’m very grateful.” This moment of shared emotion provided a glimpse into Paul’s dedicated role as a supportive partner, a facet of his public image that often contrasts with his more contentious public engagements.
The Bad Bunny Controversy Resurfaces
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Leerdam’s Olympic victory, Jake Paul found himself at the center of renewed criticism stemming from earlier comments he made about Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny. The controversy initially ignited after Paul called on his fans to boycott the Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny, labeling him a “fake American citizen performing, who publicly hates America” on X (formerly Twitter).
These remarks, made just weeks prior to the Olympics, drew widespread condemnation, including from Paul’s own brother, Logan Paul. Logan publicly disagreed, stating, “Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.” Critics also pointed out Paul’s own residency in Puerto Rico since 2021, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy. Paul later attempted to clarify his comments, asserting he was not questioning citizenship status but rather criticizing Bad Bunny’s public remarks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This incident underscored the often-provocative role Paul assumes in public discourse, frequently leading to significant backlash and impacting his broader reputation.
Public Scrutiny and Evolving Reputation
The convergence of Leerdam’s Olympic success and the lingering controversy surrounding Paul’s comments has intensified public scrutiny on the couple. While Leerdam is a celebrated athlete with a substantial following, her relationship with Paul has undeniably brought new “eyeballs” to speedskating, as noted by American skater Brittany Bowe. Bowe commended Leerdam for her ability to deliver an Olympic-record performance despite the immense pressure, acknowledging Paul’s unique platform in the speedskating world.
Paul’s own celebrity journey, transitioning from YouTube personality to professional boxer, ensures that his every move is meticulously tracked by millions across social media. This constant visibility means that his diverse public roles—from supportive fiancé to outspoken commentator—are continuously shaping and reshaping his public image. The stark contrast between his emotional support for Leerdam and his polarizing political commentary illustrates the multifaceted nature of his public persona, which continues to evolve under intense media and fan scrutiny.
Jake Paul’s recent appearances at the Winter Olympics, marked by both heartfelt support for his fiancée and renewed controversy over his public statements, demonstrate the fluid and often contradictory nature of his public standing. These events highlight how his active engagement in diverse public roles, whether as a dedicated partner or a provocative commentator, continuously shapes a reputation that remains distinctly un-solidified, reflecting the dynamic landscape of modern celebrity.