NBA star Devin Booker has seemingly taken a subtle dig at singer Bad Bunny by claiming he "didn't watch" the artist's Super Bowl halftime performance, reigniting a public rivalry that stems from their shared romantic history with supermodel Kendall Jenner.
Public Clash Reignited at NBA All-Star Game
During the NBA's All-Star weekend, Booker was approached by a reporter who asked him "for the fans of Puerto Rico" how it felt to be part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. Booker quickly clarified his heritage, stating "I'm Mexican," before delivering the pointed remark: "I didn't watch it to be completely honest."
History of Tension Between the Two Stars
The tension between Booker and Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Ocasio, dates back to previous public exchanges. In Bad Bunny's collaborative track 'Coco Chanel' with rapper Eladio Carrion, lyrics included: "I'm not bad baby, that's a gimmick / But the Puerto Rico sun is warmer than the one in Phoenix."
Booker, who plays for the Phoenix Suns, responded at the time by saying: "He's worried about another man again." This latest comment about the Super Bowl performance, which occurred during halftime of the game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, represents another chapter in their ongoing public sparring.
Shared Connection Through Kendall Jenner
Both men have been romantically linked to Kendall Jenner at different times, creating an additional layer to their rivalry. Booker had an on-again, off-again relationship with the model between 2020 and 2022, with the pair last linked in 2023 before quietly separating once again.
Jenner famously dated Bad Bunny between February and October 2023, briefly rekindling their romance in 2024 before parting ways. The couple first sparked dating rumors in early 2023 when they were spotted sharing a kiss after a sushi date in Los Angeles.
Recent Flirty Social Media Exchange
Jenner recently reignited speculation about her love life after engaging in a flirty and suggestive Instagram exchange with Booker. This occurred after she poked fun at her NBA exes in a Super Bowl commercial.
The model, 30, raised eyebrows when she replied directly to a comment from Booker on an Instagram post shared by Comments By Celebs, which featured a clip of Jenner's recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Booker, 29, teasingly commented: "I bet a million the Seahawks get that ring before you do," tagging Jenner in the post. The reality star wasted no time firing back, replying: "how's the ankle?" - a pointed reference that immediately sent fans into a frenzy.
Booker then escalated the exchange with a cheeky response of his own, writing: "come rub it," prompting followers to flood the comments section with speculation that the former couple's chemistry may not be entirely extinguished.
Insights Into Jenner's Relationships
Sources previously told Us Weekly that Jenner saw long-term potential with Bad Bunny, describing him as "the complete package" and praising his confidence and how well he fit in with her friends. However, insiders later told People and Entertainment Tonight that the relationship gradually fizzled due to demanding schedules and a mutual understanding that it was unlikely to be permanent.
"They have crazy busy schedules and know they're still young and have a lot more to experience individually before settling down," an insider told ET at the time. Jenner and Bad Bunny largely kept their relationship private, but fans began speculating about a split later in 2023 after Jenner shared cryptic messages and celebrated her birthday without the performer.
By December 2023, multiple outlets reported that the pair had gone their separate ways. This complex web of relationships and public exchanges continues to fuel speculation and interest among fans of all three high-profile figures.
