Tony Hinchcliffe is known as a “roast comic” or “insult comic” who typically opens his performances with a barrage of insults aimed at his audience, referring to attendees as “a pig dressed like a cheetah” or making sarcastic, vulgar remarks about the location of his performance. His standard show largely consists of jokes that are racist and misogynistic in nature. Therefore, it shouldn’t have come as a shock when his warm-up act at a political rally included several racist jokes. However, it might have caught Hinchcliffe and his supporters off guard when mainstream media, social media, and the U.S. Congress reacted with an intensity of anger and outrage that is not commonly witnessed across the political spectrum.
What was the joke?
Hinchcliffe remarked, “”There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you’re aware, but there’s actually a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean. I believe it’s called Puerto Rico.”
Congressional response
At least twenty-four lawmakers from both the House and Senate swiftly reacted on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties voiced their disgust and anger.
Here are a few statements:
- “As a Puerto Rican, I feel compelled to label Hinchcliffe as racist trash, but that would be an insult to trash. When voting, Latinos should always remember the racism that Donald Trump appears eager to promote.” — Ritchie Torres (D-NY)
- “I take pride in my Puerto Rican heritage. My mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico. It’s a stunning island with a vibrant culture and an essential part of the USA. The only thing that’s ‘garbage’ is this poor comedy performance. Stick to the point. ” — Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY)
- “Again and again, we witness how hateful and offensive comments about people further divide our nation. There is no place for animosity towards the people of Puerto Rico or the beautiful island itself. The citizens of Puerto Rico endured so much during the Trump administration after Hurricane Maria. We can and must strive for better.” — Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ)
- “I’m appalled by @TonyHinchcliffe’s offensive remark labeling Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage.’ This type of language does not represent GOP values. Puerto Rico sent over 48,000 soldiers to Vietnam, earning more than 345 Purple Hearts. This bravery deserves respect. Educate yourself!” — Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL)
- “Despicable, overt racism. The courageous, patriotic individuals from Puerto Rico—our fellow Americans—do not deserve such stomach-churning disrespect. All Americans should denounce it.” — Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
- “This is not mere humor. It’s completely tasteless & classless. Puerto Rico is the crown jewel of the Caribbean & home to many of the most patriotic Americans I know. @TonyHinchcliffe is clearly not funny & certainly does not align with my values or those of the Republican Party.” –Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-FL)
Beyond Congress
Social media was overflowing with negative reactions to Hinchcliffe’s blunder. Media outlets in the U.S. and internationally covered and condemned the joke. Prominent Puerto Rican figures like Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin spoke out. Very few public figures offered any form of support, although J.D. Vance suggested that people should simply “stop getting offended,” a sentiment that mirrored Hinchcliffe’s own reaction.
Why Puerto Rico?
Hinchcliffe made additional offensive remarks during the same set that, as Jon Stewart noted, reflect his usual style of humor. This was not a spontaneous line; it is suggested by the fact that he previewed it the day before the rally.
There is no apparent rationale for Hinchcliffe choosing Puerto Rico as the target for a joke. The level of outrage sparked by that specific quip indicates U.S. support for Puerto Rico, esteem for the U.S. citizens living there, and acknowledgment of the dignity inherent to the U.S. territory.
Additionally, it’s plausible that the political significance of Puerto Rican voters in states like Pennsylvania could be the most lasting impact of the now-infamous statement. Is this a demographic that a political candidate should alienate just days before an election? Political analysts will have their answer next week.
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