Instagram Users Come to Jacob Fatu’s Defense Over N-Word Controversy

Jacob Fatu’s new song “Hello” featuring his uncle Rikishi has kicked off a heated conversation — but not everyone is outraged. While Twitter lit up with backlash over Fatu’s use of the N-word in the track, Instagram told a very different story, with fans flooding the comments to defend him.

The controversy started when some Twitter users called out Fatu, saying his Samoan heritage doesn’t give him a pass to use the word. One person wrote, “Who’s gonna tell Jacob Fatu he can’t say the N-Word? I wish y’all would quit acting like these Samoans are invincible when they not. No matter how much they appropriate our culture, they aren’t Black, and will never be Black. Simple.”

Another frustrated fan added, “Samoans and saying n*** with they full chest man… we are tired…🙄😐 and don’t say ‘well who gonna stop them?!’ the same way u can make someone stop breathing PERMANENTLY they are humans and they not invincible!”*

But when Ringside News shared the story on Instagram, the reaction was completely different. Comment after comment poured in defending Fatu, with many fans saying his upbringing and community ties give him a pass.

One fan wrote, “He lived in Sacramento he is one of us we good with it…” making it clear they don’t see an issue. Another doubled down, saying, “Tell Jacob he can’t say it 😂 step up to him, I dare you.”

Other users backed Fatu based on shared culture and experiences. One person posted, “That’s family.” Another wrote, “And so? Real ones know what it is.”

Others pointed out the double standard, saying, “Roman Reigns accidentally said it to Seth on live TV… why everyone getting mad now?” and “Boo Yaa Tribe say it. Pacific Islanders have Black/African blood in them… same with Ricans. Fatu is similar as well.”

Some fans even brushed off the backlash altogether, with one saying, “Backlash from who? If he wanna say it he can say it. Now I can understand if WWE don’t want him saying that type of stuff. But from the community and you know what community we talking about we don’t have a problem with it.”

Not everyone agrees, but the Instagram reaction made it clear — plenty of people are standing by Fatu, insisting his background and street credibility make this a non-issue in their eyes.

Jacob Fatu hasn’t publicly responded to the situation yet, but it’s clear the conversation depends on where you look — because Instagram seems to have his back.