Current:Home > ScamsTony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally -VisionFunds
Tony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally
View
Date:2025-04-13 21:20:18
Tony Hinchcliffe is offering no apologies.
The comedian, 40, opened the latest episode of his podcast and live show "Kill Tony" by addressing controversial comments he made at a rally for President-elect Donald Trump last month, where he joked that Puerto Rico is a "floating island of garbage" and made other racist remarks.
"I apologize to absolutely nobody," Hinchcliffe declared on the episode released Monday, eliciting cheers from his live audience.
The show was recorded the day after the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden, while Hinchcliffe was receiving backlash and Trump was facing criticism for inviting him to speak. Hinchcliffe said he loves Puerto Ricans, who are "smart enough to know when they're being used as political fodder."
He also insisted his punchline was simply a reference to the fact that Puerto Rico "currently has a landfill problem," and he suggested the joke was poorly received because "I'm the only person that knew about this, unfortunately."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Who is Tony Hinchcliffe,Trump's warm-up act at Madison Square Garden?
During his rally set, Hinchcliffe told the crowd of Trump supporters, "There's literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it's called Puerto Rico."
The remark drew widespread rebukes from politicians including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as celebrities like Aubrey Plaza and Jennifer Lopez. Plaza, who noted most of her family is from Puerto Rico, slammed the joke as "racist" and "disgusting" at the WSJ. Magazine's Innovator Awards.
"There are people for whom this is fine, it's just a bad joke, lighten up. For many of us, this 'joke' is a reminder of how bad it was under Trump, how he treated our people in our moment of need," Lin-Manuel Miranda also said on Instagram, referring to Trump's response to Hurricane Maria.
In a previous statement, senior Trump advisor Danielle Alvarez said, "This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."
On "Kill Tony," Hinchcliffe said he was "currently under attack" and criticized "everybody trying to slander me online," adding, "That's what I do: I go hard, and that's never going to change."
But despite declining to apologize, he acknowledged the Trump rally may not have been "the best" place to do those jokes.
Hinchcliffe's rally set also included a racist joke about celebrating Halloween with a Black friend by carving watermelons, and he quipped that Travis Kelce "might be the next O.J. Simpson."
In addition to hosting "Kill Tony," Hinchcliffe has written for Comedy Central roasts and performed at Netflix's roast of Tom Brady earlier this year.
The comic previously responded to the Trump rally backlash by claiming on X that his Puerto Rico joke was "taken out of context to make it seem racist" and that because he's a comedian, he makes "fun of everyone."
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Josh Meyer
veryGood! (73)
Related
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Disney-DirecTV dispute: ESPN and other channels go dark on pay TV system
- Clemson smacked by Georgia, showing Dabo Swinney's glory days are over
- Thousands of US hotel workers strike over Labor Day weekend
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Caitlin Clark returns to action: How to watch Fever vs. Wings on Sunday
- California lawmakers seek more time to consider energy proposals backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom
- Paralympic track and field highlights: USA's Jaydin Blackwell sets world record in 100m
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- NCAA blocks Oklahoma State use of QR code helmet stickers for NIL fund
Ranking
- Sam Taylor
- Teenager Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025
- Two dead and three injured after man drives his car through restaurant patio in Minnesota
- California lawmakers approve legislation to ban deepfakes, protect workers and regulate AI
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- These 10 old Ford Mustangs are hugely underappreciated
- Sephora Flash Sale: Get 50% Off Shay Mitchell’s Sunscreen, Kyle Richards’ Hair Treatment & More
- NCAA blocks Oklahoma State use of QR code helmet stickers for NIL fund
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Johnny Gaudreau's widow posts moving tribute: 'We are going to make you proud'
On the first day without X, many Brazilians say they feel disconnected from the world
John Stamos got kicked out of Scientology for goofing around
Bodycam footage shows high
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Open Call
US wheelchair rugby team gets redemption, earns spot in gold-medal game
How to know if your kid is having 'fun' in sports? Andre Agassi has advice