Jason Derulo'S $1M Shark Tank Sparks Major Backlash

Jason Derulo's Luxurious Home Aquarium Draws Criticism

Jason Derulo, the "Whatcha Say" singer, has found himself in hot water after unveiling a jaw-dropping $1 million shark-and-stingray tank in his luxurious California residence. In a home tour shared with YouTuber N3on, Derulo proudly showcased the extravagant feature embedded beneath his living room floor. This circular aquatic masterpiece, covered with glass, allows visitors to walk above the marine life swimming below.

During the tour, Derulo revealed the tank's creation was a labor of love, saying, "Basically, I got someone who makes pools to do the shell of it, and then I had the aquarium people put it all together." He also mentioned that an aquarium team visits every two days to ensure the tank remains pristine.

"Sharks are facing severe pressures – threatened by overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction, with many species now considered endangered," said Christian Plowman from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Animal Welfare Groups Speak Out

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has not minced words, accusing Derulo of setting a "bad example" by normalizing the ownership of wild animals. Their concerns echo through the online community, with social media users labeling the display as "cruel" and "depressing."

Christian Plowman, IFAW’s Program Manager for Wildlife Cybercrime, has been vocal about the potential dangers of such displays. "When celebrities and influencers with millions of followers treat wild animals as interior design features, the consequences reach far beyond their living rooms," he warned.

Derulo's Love for Sharks

Derulo's fascination with sharks isn't a new revelation. In 2023, he went all out for his son Jason King's 2nd birthday, spending around $30,000 on a shark-themed party complete with a "Baby Shark" cake.

While keeping certain shark species in home aquariums is legal in California, it remains a contentious issue among animal welfare groups. As Plowman suggests, "If Derulo genuinely cares about these animals, he could use his platform as a powerful force for good."