The comedian Tony Hinchcliffe is facing backlash following his performance at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally … where he made a joke regarding Puerto Rico that has sparked outrage among several prominent figures.
This polarizing comedian — known for his edgy style — took the spotlight in NYC on Sunday prior to the former president’s appearance … cracking jokes that targeted individuals from various backgrounds.
Although numerous jokes received favorable or mixed feedback from the audience, one particular quip fell flat … when Hinchcliffe jested about a floating island of trash in the ocean and referred to it as Puerto Rico.
Check out the clip … the crowd appears unsure how to react — and even Hinchcliffe seems aware he’s crossed a certain boundary with the audience.
Gov. Walz and @AOC respond to this moment: “When you have an a-hole labeling Puerto Rico as ‘floating garbage,’ recognize that this reflects what they think of you. It’s their perception of anyone beneath their financial status… I want each Puerto Rican in Philadelphia and Reading and… https://t.co/L5GdSvLJWT pic.twitter.com/y9DQTABM0v
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 27, 2024
@KamalaHQ
A variety of public figures have voiced their opinions on the remark … including Kamala Harris‘s VP contender Tim Walz and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who were engaged in a Twitch stream at that moment.
Walz emphasized that Puerto Ricans are American citizens contributing tax dollars and serving in the military … and that belittling them like Hinchcliffe did is completely unjustifiable.
These people lack a sense of humor. It’s surprising that a vice presidential candidate would allocate time from his “busy schedule” to dissect a joke that’s been misinterpreted as racist. I adore Puerto Rico and frequently visit. I poke fun at everyone… watch the entire set. I’m a… https://t.co/VFxHRcdv5k
— Tony Hinchcliffe (@TonyHinchcliffe) October 27, 2024
@TonyHinchcliffe
Responding quickly to Walz, Hinchcliffe noted he is a comedian … and if Walz had watched the entire performance, he’d understand that Hinchcliffe’s comedy was aimed at a diverse group of people, not solely at Puerto Ricans.
Ricky Martin tweets, “This is how they view us” pic.twitter.com/YtOo7s4Cpv
— Thor Benson (@thor_benson) October 27, 2024
@thor_benson
Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Representative Ritchie Torres, Chairman of the Puerto Rico Republican Party Ángel Cintrón, and others have taken to social media to express their views on politics following Hinchcliffe’s jests… and they don’t appear to be pleased with him.
5/5/24
Netflix
By the way… if Hinchcliffe’s name rings a bell, it could be from the Roast of Tom Brady—where he launched a series of sharp jabs at Kim Kardashian.
It appears he has stirred quite the commotion with this performance… and we anticipate that numerous celebrities will be responding to him in the ensuing hours and days.