When a high-profile purchase collides with one of the internet’s most passionate fandoms, the response is rarely quiet. This time, it took just one post, a staggering price tag, and a declaration that sent shockwaves through the community. Now, Logan Paul has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his $550,000 One Piece manga buy.
Logan Paul reacts to criticism of his One Piece manga purchase
Amid growing backlash, Logan Paul has finally spoken on his $550,000 One Piece manga purchase. In April 2026, Paul drew widespread criticism from anime fans globally after dropping an X (formerly Twitter) post about purchasing ultra-rare, graded first chapters of One Piece and Dragon Ball for $550,000.
Paul’s purchase especially outraged One Piece fans. The criticism even came from fellow influencer IShowSpeed. “You don’t even know shit about one piece,” the YouTuber tweeted.
At first, Paul embraced his WWE persona, quipping that the One Piece community had greeted him with “open arms.” By May 6, however, he dropped the act and addressed the situation candidly on an episode of his IMPAULSIVE podcast.
On the episode, co-host Mike Majlak called out the professional boxer’s viral purchase and tested him with One Piece trivia. He explained that the fanbase was likely worried about Paul trying to monetize their community, much like scalpers have exploited Pokémon.
“All jokes aside, it is crazy to me. …that’s why I’m having fun with it,” Paul responded. “Please don’t take this personally, One Piece community. I actually like you guys, and God bless you. But if you’re upset that I bought a couple mangas, I just don’t know how much I should be concerning myself with that.”
Paul called the backlash unreasonable, saying no one can gatekeep a hobby meant to be read, watched, enjoyed, collected, and drawn from for inspiration. As a collector, he argued he has every right to watch the live action, follow the anime, and join online discussions.
Despite his defense, Paul went on to address “both sides” of the argument. He acknowledged the community of die-hard fans for whom One Piece has become part of their identities.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
