Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke about Puerto Rico being a “floating island of garbage” has angered those on the left and right, but as Matt covered, it was actually in reference to the “island’s infamous trash problem,” as independent journalist Michael Shellenberger pointed out. The same media outlets freaking out over the joke have all covered Puerto Rico’s waste crisis for years.
The media are claiming that a comedian at the Trump rally today made a racist joke about Puerto Ricans. He didn’t. He was poking fun at the island’s infamous trash problem. The media are acting ignorant about it but they have covered it for years —> pic.twitter.com/GvCuiq2jX6
— Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) October 28, 2024
The Trump campaign responded to the criticism, with senior adviser Danielle Alvarez noting in a statement that the joke “does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
Hinchcliffe, meanwhile, seemed stunned by the backlash to the joke.
Responding to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz discussing it, the comedian said they "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," he continued. "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