Bill Maher praised comedian Tony Hinchcliffe for his viral Puerto Rican jokes at a rally for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in October 2024, angering some politicians and the media.
During the Trump rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City, Hinchicliff said: "I don't know if you know this, but...now... there is a floating island of garbage in the ocean," Hinchicliff said. “I think this is called Puerto Rico.”
Hinchcliffe is a recent guest on the Maher Club Random Podcast, who says the comedian is making a "big joke".
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American comedian Tony Hinchcliffe speaks at a campaign rally held by former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Madison Square Garden, New York on October 27, 2024. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Hinchcliffe explains the story behind the jokes that make the media burn.
He said he went to the rally to discuss freedom of speech and joked about "this kind of joke."
"The Puerto Rico joke is actually a joke, and I did a bunch of it while standing, and it was part of a bigger joke, with longer front ends and longer back ends," Hinchicliffe said.
"Basically, at the end of a normal joke, I go, you said, I'm talking about the problems in the world.
"The purpose of the joke is that people obviously portray the great Pacific garbage in my mind," Hinchcliff said. "I can't believe no one talks about the fact that there is a plastic island as big as Texas."
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Bill Maher's "Club Random Podcast" discusses October 2024 Trump Rally Puerto Rico jokes (Club Random Podcast)
"It's undoubtedly an insult to Puerto Ricans, but I've crossed the same territory. I mean, I don't think I'm going to do this joke, but of course I did a lot of things against it."
Maher defended Hinchcliffe, saying, "You always know what I do? In the comedy framework, everyone has to accept the insult...you know, and they are never fair."
Hinchcliffe explains his thought process as he enters the assembly.
"When I'm going to do that, that rally, goal, you know? It's not just about swaying a little bit, you know, hopeful, anyone, no matter who listens to my podcast, or who likes my stupid show on Tom Brady Roast or anyone else. It's cool, too." Thanks, man. marvelous. I like your scene. You let the crowd go. “By the way, I did it.
Maher asked Trump if he responded to him in this way, and Hinchcliffe replied: "No, he didn't, I didn't talk to him."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y. She pointed out that her family came from Puerto Ricohave questions about comedian jokes.
"That's how they think of you. That's how they think of anyone who makes less money than they do. That's how they think of people who serve them in restaurants. That's how they think of people who fold clothes in stores."
Republicans also questioned the joke. Former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, a Republican from New York, was born and raised in Puerto Rico. This is a beautiful island. This is a rich culture and an integral part of the United States. The only "trash" is "trash" is a good comedy. ”
"This is not a joke. It's totally unparalleled taste, it tastes bad." Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla. A Cuban American, online increase. "Puerto Rico is the crown jewel of the Caribbean and home to many patriotic Americans I know. Tony Hinchcliff is obviously not interesting and definitely doesn't reflect my values or Republican values."
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Hinchcliffe's joke about Puerto Rico was criticized by Republicans and Democrats at Trump's rally in October 2024. (Peter W. Stevenson (Peter W.
After that, Trump said: "I don't know who he is. Someone said there was a comedian who joked about something like Puerto Rico. I don't know who that is. Never seen him. Never saw him. Never heard of him, nor did I want to hear him. But I don't know."
The Trump campaign also quickly distanced itself from jokes.
"This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign," said Danielle Alvarez, a senior Trump campaign adviser, in a statement.
Hinchcliffe and Trump’s campaign have been criticized by media jokes, with concerns that it will affect Trump’s election opportunities and support within the Hispanic community.
According to the National Exit Poll, Trump has received 45% of Hispanic voters, more than 32% in 2020.
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Fox News' Ashley Carnahan, Alex Nitzberg and Alec Schemmel contributed to the report.