Amid Widespread Backlash To Tony Hinchcliffe's Puerto Rico Joke, Aubrey Plaza Has Chimed In With Her Thoughts On The Matter

Aubrey Plaza has called out that Puerto Rico joke.

Aubrey on a red carpet is wearing a dress and green jewelry
Mike Marsland / Mike Marsland / WireImage

On Sunday, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe spoke at the Madison Square Garden Trump rally, where he said, "There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico."

Tony stands at a podium labeled "Trump Vance 2024" at a political rally
Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images

The Agatha All Along actor addressed the comedian's comments during the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards last night. On stage, she said, "I just wanted to very quickly respond to the racist joke that was made at that Trump rally about Puerto Rico, where most of my family is from."

Aubrey stands at a podium with "WSJ" text, speaking into a microphone. Their clothing and hairstyle is elegant and formal
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards

"Thankfully, my sweet abuelita wasn’t here to hear that disgusting remark."

Aubrey Plaza on the red carpet wearing a strapless dress at a Newport Beach Film Festival event
Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

"But if she was alive today, I think she would say, 'Tony Hinchcliffe, go fuck yourself.' And yes, the Wall Street Journal can quote me on that," she concluded.

Aubrey not smiling
Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Aubrey joins a number of Latino celebrities who've criticized the racist joke. Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Ricky Martin posted videos and comments supporting Kamala Harris on social media. On Instagram, Fat Joe recalled Trump's abhorrent behavior following Hurricane Maria, writing, "The man threw towels at you and blocked financial aid in Hurricane Maria and you Bori's think he's your guy WAKE UP VOTE!!!!" Also on Instagram, "Despacito" singer Luis Fonsi wrote, "I love roasts, trust me, I get it, BUT...this is far from comedy. Not now, not against my island, my people. Hell nah! ... Going down this racist path ain't it."

During a livestream on Twitch, vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz and Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Tony's words. Tim asked, "Who is that jack-wad?" while AOC said, "When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico 'floating garbage,' know that that's what they think about you. It's what they think about anyone who makes less money than them."

Tim Walz and AOC
Stephen Maturen/ Alex Wong / Getty Images

Even some Republicans denounced Tony's comments. On X (formerly Twitter), Florida Sen. Rick Scott wrote, "This joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!" Congressmember María Elvira Salazar tweeted that she was "disgusted" by the joke, ironically adding: "This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values."

In a letter shared on Facebook, the Archbishop of San Juan, Roberto O. González Nieves, called on Trump to personally apologize. "Hinchcliffe’s remarks do not only provoke sinister laughter but hatred. These kinds of remarks do not have a place in a society founded upon 'liberty and justice for all.' ... I call upon you, Mr. Trump, to disavow these comments as reflecting in any way your personal or political viewpoints."

Twitter: @chrisjollyhale

On X, Tony responded to all the backlash and to Tim Walz, writing, "These people have no sense of humor. ... I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian Tim…might be time to change your tampon."

Kammy HQ / Tony Hinchcliffe / Twitter: @TonyHinchcliffe

AOC fired back, "Can’t get over this dude telling someone else to change tampons when he’s the one shitting bricks in his Depends after realizing opening for a Trump rally and feeding red-meat racism alongside a throng of other bigots to a frothing crowd does, unironically, make you one of them."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez / Twitter: @AOC

"You don’t 'love Puerto Rico.' You like drinking piña coladas. There’s a difference," she concluded.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez /  Twitter: @AOC