Jason Derulo is facing backlash from an animal welfare group after he showed off a $1 million shark-and-stingray tank installed in his home.
The “Whatcha Say” singer, 36, gave YouTuber N3on a tour of his $15 million property in Tarzana, Calif., in April, revealing a custom-built aquarium embedded beneath his living room floor.
The circular tank is covered with glass, allowing guests to walk above the animals as they swim below.
During the home tour, Derulo said creating the tank “took a lot” of time and money.
“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 said.
“Then I had a different floor that didn’t show the sharks well enough, so I decided to go for white [background].”
The singer also said an aquarium team visits his home every two days to monitor the water and clean the tank.
However, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) accused DeRulo of setting a “bad example” after clips from the tour spread on TikTok.
“Sharks are facing severe pressures — threatened by overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction, with many species now considered endangered,” Christian Plowman, Program Manager, Wildlife Cybercrime at IFAW, said in a statement reported by The Mirror.
“They play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean 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 satisfy demand for home aquariums and luxury displays.”
Plowman also criticized celebrity displays of exotic animals.
“For some, these animals have become the ultimate status symbol,” he said. “Singer Jason Derulo recently showcased a home shark tank. When celebrities and influencers with millions of followers treat wild animals as interior design features, the consequences reach far beyond their living rooms.
“Normalizing the ownership of sharks in a domestic tank sends a damaging message to audiences around the world. If Derulo genuinely 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 “challenge misconceptions” about marine wildlife.
“Help turn the tide on a trade that is pushing some of the world’s most remarkable marine species closer to extinction,” Plowman said. “Right now, he is setting a bad example.”
In a message directed at the public, he added: “IFAW urges the public not to like, share or engage with content that normalizes the keeping of wild animals as pets. Every interaction feeds the algorithm — and ultimately, the trade.
“Sharks and other wild animals are not accessories. They are not floor displays. They are not pets.”
Social media users also blasted Derulo with one writing, “That’s cruel,” while another commented, “Yeah, being rich is depressing.”
Keeping some smaller, non-endangered shark species in home aquariums is legal in California, though animal welfare groups have long opposed the practice.
Derulo’s fascination with sharks isn’t new.
In 2023, he spent roughly $30,000 on a shark-themed 2nd birthday party for his son Jason King, complete with a “Baby Shark” cake and sparklers.
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