Jake Paul is looking back fondly on his time with Disney Channel, a period he credits as pivotal in launching his career. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Paul opened up about how his role on Disney’s Bizaardvark helped shape his journey in entertainment and beyond.
The 28-year-old, who initially gained fame as a content creator on the now-defunct Vine app before transitioning to YouTube and later boxing, spoke candidly about the lasting impact Disney had on him. “Man, it was just a fun time to be honest,” Paul recalled of his time on Bizaardvark, a show that also featured rising star Olivia Rodrigo. Paul starred on the series from 2016 until his departure in 2017, portraying Dirk Mann, an online celebrity who was part of the show’s premise centered around two teenage best friends navigating internet fame.
Paul reflected on the significance of his time with the network, stating, “I think it was a good kickstart to my career, because I was the first-ever influencer on TV.” He believes his role on the show helped set the stage for his future in entertainment. “I think that really set a lot of things into motion for me, and I learned a lot about acting and media and all that stuff.”
Despite his positive reflections, Paul’s time on Bizaardvark was cut short in 2017. Disney announced in July of that year that Paul would be leaving the show halfway through the second season. A month later, Paul revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that his departure wasn’t entirely voluntary. He explained that he was effectively fired from the series following a controversial KTLA news segment, which highlighted complaints from his neighbors about disturbances originating from his home. Paul explained the situation, saying, “They were like, ‘Okay. We want to expedite this process of weaning you off the show.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s fine. But it’s going to look like you guys fired me.’ And they were like, ‘We can say that we mutually parted ways and blah, blah, blah.’”
Though the official statement from Disney indicated that Paul left the show amicably, Paul has always maintained that his exit was the result of the controversy surrounding his behavior. Despite the abrupt departure, Paul remains grateful for the opportunity and says his time on Bizaardvark set the foundation for his future career.
From Disney Star to Influencer and Boxer
Jake Paul’s career has been anything but conventional. After his Disney days, Paul transitioned from acting to building a massive social media presence on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He quickly became one of the most influential figures in the digital world, gaining a reputation for his pranks, stunts, and larger-than-life personality.
In recent years, Paul has moved into the world of professional boxing, where he has fought in high-profile matches. His shift from entertainment to sports has drawn both admiration and skepticism, but Paul has remained steadfast in his pursuit of success in the ring. His ventures have kept him in the public eye, but not without controversy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Paul has faced criticism for his behavior over the years, particularly concerning accusations of scams and sexual assault. In 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Paul with violating investor protection laws after he promoted cryptocurrency investments without disclosing that he was being paid to do so. Paul settled the charges for over $400,000, and while the issue did raise eyebrows, he has continued his digital and business pursuits.
In addition to the SEC charges, Paul also faced two sexual assault allegations in 2021, including one from content creator Justine Paradise. Both allegations were denied by Paul, and neither case resulted in a court trial. The controversies surrounding Paul have sparked significant debate, but he has often used his platform to speak out against what he perceives as misinformation about him.
Despite these setbacks, Paul’s career remains strong. His shift to boxing has opened new doors for him, and he continues to expand his brand through reality television. In fact, Paul currently stars in Paul American, a new reality series that chronicles his life, career, and relationships, including those with his family, such as his brother Logan Paul. The show offers an inside look at the Paul family’s dynamic, giving fans a glimpse of their lives beyond the headlines.
Paul American is available for streaming on Max, with new episodes releasing every Thursday. The series is not only a way for Jake Paul to share his personal journey but also to reshape his image, particularly after years of being known for his controversial stunts.
The Evolution of Jake Paul: A Constantly Changing Persona
While Paul’s Disney Channel stint marked the beginning of his mainstream career, his path has taken many twists and turns. From Vine to YouTube and now boxing, Paul’s ability to reinvent himself has kept him relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape. However, his journey has not been without challenges.
Critics of Paul often point to his past behavior, including his history of stunts that some saw as reckless or inflammatory. However, Paul has used those controversies to fuel his growth, proving that he can navigate the complex world of digital media and public perception. His ability to build a brand across multiple industries — from social media to sports to television — is a testament to his resilience and his knack for staying in the public eye.
ADVERTISEMENT
As he continues to expand his empire, it’s clear that Jake Paul is not just a flash-in-the-pan influencer but a force in the entertainment and sports industries. With Paul American offering fans a deeper look into his life, Paul is redefining what it means to be a modern-day celebrity. Whether he is boxing in the ring, creating content for millions of followers, or navigating the ups and downs of public life, Paul’s journey is far from over.
Jake Paul’s story is one of reinvention, persistence, and, of course, controversy. Whether he’s remembered for his Disney days, his viral YouTube videos, or his boxing career, one thing is clear: Jake Paul is here to stay, and his influence continues to grow with each new project he tackles.
