US comedian Tony Hinchcliffe addressed a campaign rally for former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 27, 2024. Despite facing significant backlash for his remarks about Puerto Rico, Hinchcliffe has seen a substantial increase in his online following.
Tony Hinchcliffe’s recent joke about Puerto Rico has indeed sparked a significant reaction across social media platforms. His controversial comment at a Donald Trump rally, where he referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” ignited backlash from various political figures, including Republican representatives and other public figures who condemned his remarks. Notably, the Trump campaign sought to distance itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, with senior adviser Danielle Alvarez stating that the joke does not reflect the campaign’s views.
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FULL REMARKS: Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe Speaks At Trump’s Rally At Madison Square Garden In NYC
Despite the criticism, Hinchcliffe’s social media following has surged dramatically. On October 27, the day he made the joke, he gained over 36,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) and nearly 24,000 on Instagram, bringing his total to over 307,000 followers on X. This increase in followers suggests that his controversial remarks have attracted a segment of the audience that either supports him or is drawn to the drama surrounding the incident.
In response to the backlash, Hinchcliffe has not issued an apology but instead doubled down, defending his joke as a form of humor and criticizing those who took offense. His remarks have generated significant views and engagement on social media, indicating that the controversy may be benefiting his visibility and reach, despite the negative reactions from some quarters.
This situation highlights the complexities of comedy in the political landscape, where jokes can lead to both backlash and unexpected increases in popularity, depending on the audience’s reception.