Jason Derulo is facing backlash from animal rights groups after showing off his $1 million shark and ray tank at his home.
In April, the “Whatcha Say” singer, 36, gave YouTuber N3on a tour of his $15 million mansion in Tarzana, Calif., revealing a custom-built aquarium built into the living room floor.
The circular aquarium is covered in glass, allowing guests to walk on top of the animals swimming below.
During his home tour, Derulo said building the tank “took a lot of time and money.”
“Basically, we had the people who build the pool build the skeleton, and then we had the aquarium people put everything together,” he says.
“Then we decided to go for a white (background) because the sharks weren’t visible enough on the other floor.”
He also said an aquarium team visits his home every two days to monitor his water and clean his tank.
But the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) accused Derulo of setting a “bad precedent” after a clip from the tour went viral on TikTok.
“Sharks are under intense pressure, threatened by overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction, and many species are now considered endangered,” Christian Plowman, wildlife cybercrime program manager at IFAW, said in a statement reported by the Mirror.
“They play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The recent seizure of more than 700 trafficked marine animals in Argentina is a stark reminder that the illegal ‘exotic’ pet trade extends far beyond the species most people think of.”
“Sharks, rays and other marine animals are increasingly being targeted to meet demand for home aquariums and fancy displays.”
Plowman also criticized celebrities for displaying exotic animals.
“For some people, these animals have become the ultimate status symbol,” he says. “Singer Jason Derulo recently showed off his at-home shark tank. When celebrities and influencers with millions of followers treat wild animals to their interior design, the impact extends far beyond the living room.
“Normalizing shark ownership in home aquariums sends a harmful message to a global audience. If Derulo truly cares about these animals, he could use his platform as a powerful force for good.”
He added that the singer could instead help educate the public and “demystify” marine wildlife.
“Help change the trade flows that are bringing some of the world’s most remarkable marine species closer to extinction,” Plowman said. “Now he’s setting a bad precedent.”
“IFAW asks the public not to like, share or engage with content that normalizes keeping wild animals as pets. Every interaction feeds the algorithm and ultimately influences trade,” he added.
“Sharks and other wildlife are not decorations. They are not displayed on the floor. They are not pets.”
Social media users also slammed Derulo, calling him “cruel,” with one person commenting, “Yeah, it’s depressing to be rich.”
In California, it is legal to keep some small, non-endangered sharks in home aquariums, but animal rights groups have long opposed the practice.
Derulo’s fascination with sharks is nothing new.
In 2023, he spent about $30,000 on his son Jason King’s shark-themed second birthday party, complete with a “baby shark” cake and sparklers.
