Pop Icon Speaks Out Against Divisive Remarks Amidst Growing Celebrity Support for Vice President
Jennifer Lopez, the acclaimed pop star and actress, delivered a passionate rebuke of former President Donald Trump’s recent Madison Square Garden rally while campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris in Nevada on Thursday. Lopez, whose Puerto Rican heritage has always been close to her heart, expressed outrage over a controversial joke made during Trump’s event, where a comedian labeled Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”
Lopez took the stage at Harris’ Las Vegas rally, declaring, “It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day. It was every Latino in this country. It was humanity and anyone of decent character.” She continued to emphasize that Trump’s rally demonstrated “who he really is and how he really feels,” amplifying a sense of betrayal and hurt felt across Latino communities nationwide.
Lopez’s powerful words came as Harris toured the critical battleground states of Arizona and Nevada, regions with significant Latino populations. The vice president’s campaign has ramped up celebrity endorsements in the final days leading to the election, with music icons Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Marvel stars all lending their influence to bolster Harris’ voter turnout initiatives. However, support from Puerto Rican celebrities like Lopez, who stood visibly moved on stage, could prove especially impactful.
In her emotional speech, Lopez urged Latinos to make their voices heard. “This is our country, too,” she said, her voice breaking. “Our pain matters. We matter. Your voice and your vote matter.” Her heartfelt words resonated with attendees, including those who proudly waved Puerto Rican flags in solidarity.
Other Puerto Rican celebrities have echoed Lopez’s sentiments. Bad Bunny, one of the most popular Latin artists globally, publicly backed Harris’ platform for Puerto Rico, while reggaeton star Nicky Jam retracted his previous support of Trump, stating, “Puerto Rico should be respected.” The collective backlash highlights how Trump’s rally insult has only intensified support for Harris among prominent Puerto Rican voices.
Lopez’s statements also coincide with Harris’ release of a Spanish-language ad addressing the remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Trump’s rally. In the ad, a narrator passionately describes Puerto Rico as “an island of scientists, poets, educators, stars, and heroes,” affirming, “We’re not trash; we’re more.” Trump’s campaign, meanwhile, has distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks, with spokesperson Danielle Alvarez clarifying that the comedian’s words “do not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
Despite Trump’s distancing attempts, Harris seized the opportunity to criticize Trump’s divisive language, accusing him of fueling “hate and division.” Lopez, sharing the stage with Harris, emphasized the importance of immigrant family values, noting that Harris herself “gets it” as the daughter of immigrants. Highlighting the resilience and pride of Latino and immigrant families, Lopez voiced a message of hope and unity, calling on the power of women to influence the election’s outcome.
Beyond the Latino vote, the campaign spotlighted Trump’s recent remarks in Wisconsin, where he pledged to “protect women, whether the women like it or not.” Harris called the statement “very offensive to women,” pointing to Trump’s past actions affecting women’s rights, including his Supreme Court appointments that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is someone who simply does not respect the freedom of women or the intelligence of women to make decisions about their own lives,” Harris stated during a subsequent rally in Reno, Nevada.
With polls showing a widening gender gap in this election—many women backing Harris and men favoring Trump—the vice president’s campaign has leaned into women’s rights issues, especially in states like Nevada, where these topics resonate strongly. Harris’ campaign team has tactfully leveraged celebrities, tapping into their cultural influence and extensive social media reach, as a final push to rally key voter groups in this high-stakes election.
As emotions continue to surge and the race remains tightly contested, Lopez’s heartfelt appeal underscored the high stakes and enduring values that voters carry into the polls. Her words served as a reminder of the collective strength within the Latino community and beyond, as each voice takes its place in shaping America’s future.
