Backlash is mounting after a Puerto Rican comedian’s joke at a Trump rally sparked outrage

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ORLANDO, FL. – Backlash is mounting after a comedian’s joke didn’t land well at former President Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

Bad Bunny, J-LO, Ricky Martin, Zoe Saldana and Lin Manuel Miranda are among the celebrities taking to social media to express their disapproval of what the comedian said about Puerto Rico.

“I don’t know if you know this, but there is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now,” said Tony Hinchcliffe. “Yes, I think his name is Puerto Rico.”

Reaction grows following a joke by a Puerto Rican comedian

Backlash is mounting after a comedian’s joke didn’t land well at former President Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

In addition to celebrities, Hinchcliffe is criticized not only by Democrats but also by politicians on both sides of the aisle. Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) traveled to the X to show his support for the island and its people.

“This joke bombed for a reason,” Scott wrote in part. “It’s not funny and it’s not true.”

Scott’s opponent in the U.S. Senate race, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, also posted in Part X: “Thousands of Puerto Ricans have fought and died to protect this nation.”

The Orlando metro is home to the second largest concentration of Puerto Ricans.

“I have been in the United States for 31 years and I have never experienced such disrespect,” said Jorge Figueroa.

Figueroa, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, said the comment is not only a slap in the face but threatens the island’s tourism and hospitality industries, as well as small business owners.

“These comments could really hamper the economic development of the island,” Figueroa said. “People who have never visited Puerto Rico may have the wrong impression about our island.”

Figueroa calls for an apology from Hinchcliffe and the Trump campaign.

American comedian Tony Hinchcliffe speaks during a campaign rally for former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York, October 27, 2024 (Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP) (Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP

So far, an unapologetic but hopeful Vice President J.D. Vance spoke out on the matter on Monday. Trump’s friend said he “didn’t see” the joke but concluded it was blown out of proportion.

“I think we need to stop getting so offended about every little thing in the United States,” Vance said. “I’ve had enough.”

Hinchcliffe responded to some of the negative reactions on Show X. The comedian said the joke was taken out of context.

Hinchcliffe wrote: “I love Puerto Rico and vacationing there. I made fun of everyone… watch the whole set.”

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