By TeeJay Petit | Published
If you’ve been following the news surrounding the chaotic 2024 presidential election, you’re probably already aware of the controversial remarks made at Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden. One such viral remark, coming from roast comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, saw the speaker compare the island of Puerto Rico unfavorably to a “floating island of garbage”. According to an article in the Hollywood Reporter, Megalopolis Actress Aubrey Plaza came out to call out Hinchcliffe for his Puerto Rico joke, clearly stating, “Tony Hinchcliffe, fuck you.”
Specifically, Aubrey Plaza was speaking on behalf of her late grandmother, who, like most of Plaza’s family, was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Plaza called Hinchcliffe’s tasteless joke racist and disgusting, before explaining that his grandmother, if she were alive today, would quickly tell the comedian to “fuck you.” Never afraid of controversy, Plaza concluded his speech by insisting that the media could feel free to quote his statements.
While Aubrey Plaza arguably had the funniest and most direct response to Tony Hinchcliffe, other Puerto Rican stars such as Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez also gave their opinions. Many American voters made their feelings known about the comedian’s comments by simply sharing a video of Kamala Harris on the campaign trail, in which the sitting vice president praises the American territory and outlines a plan to share aid and supplies on the island.
Hinchcliffe was unilaterally shunned by voters across the political spectrum, as even Trump campaign staffers attempted to distance themselves from his remarks at the rally. His comments not only attacked Puerto Rico, but also other Latinos seeking asylum from countries south of the U.S. border, as well as Jewish citizens and black Americans.
Just like Aubrey Plaza, The viewSunny Hostin of , weighed in on the so-called “comedy” speech, harshly explaining on air “Puerto Rico is trash?” We are Americans, Donald Trump, Americans. And we know how to take out the trash, Donald Trump. Waste that has been accumulating since 2016, and it’s you, Donald Trump.”
The joke appears to have sparked a tinderbox of activity among voters across the country, just days before the 2024 election finally concludes. The entire affair has been widely considered one of the most partisan election cycles in recent history, with many celebrities, including Dave Bautista, Taylor Swift and Zachary Levi, lending their support to their favorite candidate in strong and expressive ways.
Although Aubrey Plaza already endorsed Kamala Harris for president in September, it seems clear that the Trump campaign did nothing to change her mind by making the Puerto Rico joke.
Even before the Madison Square Garden rally, Donald Trump’s campaign was condemned for its use of overtly harsh and dehumanizing language toward Latino communities in particular. The former president and 34-time convicted felon has previously made comments in which he called asylum-seeking migrants “animals,” “vermin” and “psychopaths,” while claiming that the recent influx of Mexican and South American immigrants “poison the blood.” » Americans. Aubrey Plaza, who has made it a point to highlight her Puerto Rican heritage, is one of many people who simply wouldn’t put up with such comments, from Trump or his rally guests.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter