NEW YORK (Pakistan News Online) – American famous Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, known for his roast-style humor, sparked outrage with a series of inflammatory comments during a recent rally for former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden.
Of nearly 30 speakers warming up the crowd, it was Hinchcliffe’s remarks that received the most attention, including racially offensive jokes targeting Puerto Ricans, as well as lewd comments about Latinos, Jewish, and Black communities.
Hinchcliffe’s routine featured a jab about Puerto Rico, saying, “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” The remarks quickly drew widespread condemnation, with Puerto Rican celebrities like Ricky Martin sharing clips online and writing, “This is what they think of us.”
The Trump campaign, which typically stands by controversial figures in its orbit, distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments. “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” stated senior adviser Danielle Alvarez.
Who is Tony Hinchcliffe?
Hinchcliffe, a stand-up comedian raised in Youngstown, Ohio, is best known for his roast-style comedy, which focuses on sharp, often offensive humor aimed at celebrities. He has written for and performed on eight Comedy Central Roasts, where his unfiltered style has targeted everyone from Snoop Dogg to Tom Brady. He’s hosted his popular Kill Tony podcast since 2013, featuring comedians trying their hand at a 60-second stand-up routine, followed by critiques.
Hinchcliffe is no stranger to controversy. In 2021, he faced backlash after using a racial slur about comedian Peng Dang, an Asian American, during a performance. The incident led to the loss of his talent agency, WME, and several cancellations of his scheduled gigs. At the time, he told Variety, “Comedians should never apologize for a joke… [they] should never slow down.”
Political Reactions and Public Outrage
Hinchcliffe’s recent comments have generated bipartisan criticism. Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz called him a “jack-wad,” while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the comments as “super-upsetting.” Republican Sen. Rick Scott, currently campaigning for re-election in Florida, home to a large Puerto Rican population, said, “The joke bombed for a reason,” adding, “Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!”
Hinchcliffe has stood firm in the face of criticism. He responded on social media, saying, “These people have no sense of humor… Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his ‘busy schedule’ to analyze a joke taken out of context.” He added that he loves Puerto Rico and vacations there often.
As debates around the boundaries of comedy and freedom of speech continue, Hinchcliffe’s remarks highlight the tightrope comedians walk between provocation and offensiveness, especially when political figures are involved.