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.
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."
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."
"Thankfully, my sweet abuelita wasn’t here to hear that disgusting remark."
"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 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."
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."
BREAKING: The Catholic Archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico lambasts Donald Trump and demands an apology on behalf of Puerto Ricans across the nation. pic.twitter.com/cYIPQvBAVQ
— Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) October 29, 2024
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."
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 to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a… https://t.co/VFxHRcdv5k
— Tony Hinchcliffe (@TonyHinchcliffe) October 27, 2024
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."
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. https://t.co/kr82avveYs
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 28, 2024
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez / Twitter: @AOC
"You don’t 'love Puerto Rico.' You like drinking piña coladas. There’s a difference," she concluded.
You don’t “love Puerto Rico.” You like drinking piña coladas. There’s a difference
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 28, 2024
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez / Twitter: @AOC