Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe Faces Backlash for Remarks on Puerto Rico and Latinos at Madison Square Garden Event
In a controversial opening act at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, known as “Kill Tony,” made headlines for his racially insensitive jokes, including derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico and Latinos. The event, held on October 27, 2024, was a significant closing rally for the Republican presidential nominee, drawing both laughter and criticism from attendees.
Hinchcliffe’s routine began with a jarring joke about Puerto Rico, where he referred to the island as a “floating garbage island.” “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now,” he stated, pausing before delivering his punchline, “I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” While some in the audience laughed, many others groaned at the offensive quip, setting the tone for a performance laden with racially charged humor.
His remarks extended to the Latino community, where he acknowledged welcoming migrants to the U.S. with “open arms,” only to gesture dismissively with his arms. “It’s wild. And these Latinos, they love making babies, too, just know that. They do, they do,” he added, drawing a mixed response from the crowd.
Additionally, Hinchcliffe targeted a Black audience member, joking about his attire. “All right, heck yeah. A black guy with a thing on his head. What the hell is that, a lampshade?” he quipped, before clarifying that the individual was a friend he had partied with the night before, stating, “We carved watermelons together. It was awesome.”
Hinchcliffe’s opening act was not only a display of comedic bravado but also reflected the kind of incendiary humor that has characterized some of Trump’s rallies. However, his comments were met with swift backlash. Senior Trump advisor Danielle Alvarez later issued a statement clarifying that Hinchcliffe’s remarks did not represent the views of Trump or his campaign, particularly concerning Puerto Rico.
Prominent figures, including Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, condemned Hinchcliffe’s comments. Walz highlighted the significant Puerto Rican population in Pennsylvania, urging them to vote for the Democratic ticket instead. Angel Cintrón, chairman of the Republican Party of Puerto Rico, called the jokes “unfortunate, ignorant, and entirely reprehensible,” asserting that they do not align with conservative values and overlook the contributions of Puerto Ricans as American citizens.
In a follow-up post on social media, Hinchcliffe claimed to love Puerto Rico and expressed disbelief over the backlash, stating, “These people have no sense of humor.” His comments have sparked conversations about racial insensitivity within political events, highlighting the fine line between comedy and offensive stereotypes. As the 2024 election cycle continues, such incidents may influence voter perceptions and the broader discourse surrounding race and identity in America.
