Highlights
- Tony Hinchcliffe sparks controversy with his “Puerto Rico garbage” remark at Trump’s rally.
- Hinchcliffe responds, calling the backlash a result of jokes taken “out of context.”
- Tim Walz and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slam Hinchcliffe for his offensive comments.
- Kamala Harris introduces a new policy plan for Puerto Rico amid the controversy.
- Puerto Rican celebrities like Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez voice their support for Harris’ plan.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe found himself at the center of a major controversy after making a controversial comment about Puerto Rico at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
During his set, Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage,” which sparked a wave of criticism from political figures and social media users.
Additionally, he included what seemed like sexual remarks about Latino immigrants, commenting, “These Latinos, they love making babies.”
The backlash quickly gained traction, with prominent Democrats and celebrities from Puerto Rico speaking out against his comments.
Kamala Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to address Hinchcliffe’s statement.
Walz remarked, “When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you. It’s what they think about anyone who makes less money than them.”
Walz further urged Puerto Rican communities in Philadelphia, Reading, and across the United States to watch the clip and draw their conclusions.
Kamala Harris Unveils Puerto Rico Policy Amid Controversy
Hinchcliffe’s controversial remarks coincided with Kamala Harris unveiling a new policy plan aimed at supporting Puerto Rico’s recovery, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Harris’ announcement was applauded by several Puerto Rican celebrities, including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin, who took to their social media accounts to highlight the policy.
Hinchcliffe Responds: ‘Out of Context’
In response to the backlash, Tony Hinchcliffe turned to social media to defend himself, stating that his jokes were taken “out of context” and criticizing Harris’ campaign for making an issue out of it.
Hinchcliffe tweeted, “These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his ‘busy schedule’ to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian Tim…might be time to change your tampon.”
The comedian asserted that he jokes about everyone, not singling out any particular group. However, many critics, including celebrities and politicians, did not see it that way.
They continued to call out the comment as insensitive and demeaning towards Puerto Ricans and the Latino community at large. Despite his explanation, the backlash showed no signs of subsiding.
Hinchcliffe’s comments come at a critical moment in the election campaign, with both parties vying for the support of Latino voters.
The timing of his statements, alongside Harris’ Puerto Rico policy announcement, added fuel to an already heated political climate.
Tony Hinchcliffe: Criticized for Puerto Rico Comment
Hinchcliffe’s “floating island of garbage” remark did not go unnoticed by Puerto Rican stars, many of whom expressed disappointment and dismay.
Celebrities like Bad Bunny, who has been outspoken about political issues affecting Puerto Rico, shared Kamala Harris’ policy announcement and condemned the comedian’s comment without naming him directly.
