Comedian at Trump rally sparks outrage with comments about Puerto Rico
His comedy act included a jab at Puerto Rico, stating, "There is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it's called Puerto Rico."
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A comedian at a rally for former President Donald Trump sparked outrage from his comments about Puerto Rico.
The rally for Trump took place at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Los Angeles-based comedian Tony Hinchcliffe spoke to the crowd prior to Trump taking the stage.
His comedy act included a jab at Puerto Rico, stating, "There is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it's called Puerto Rico."
This joke sparked outrage online, across the nation and in the Bronx.
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade said in a statement: "This insult will not diminish who we are or what we represent but should remind us of the critical importance of voting on Nov. 5."
News 12 spoke with former New York state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. Both, a proud Puerto Rican and a supporter of Donald Trump.
He says the blame shouldn't be placed on the former president.
"That stupid comedian is trying to make fun… but that is not Donald Trump," he says.
Ruben Rodriguez, co-owner of Barrio BX, says this kind of hateful rhetoric speaks volumes, especially in the Bronx.
"He said it in New York. And for someone to make those comments in New York, without really understanding the contribution to this community, you know, does not know this community well," he says.
A senior advisor from Donald Trump's team said in a statement: "This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."
