News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. October 27, 2024: Did Ohio-born comedian Tony Hinchcliffe cost Donald Trump the election?
As the convicted former president tries to move the needle on Latino and black voters in his camp, Hinchcliffe, a warm-up act at the Trump rally Madison Square Gardens, NY, mocked Latinos, including Puerto Ricans, blacks and Middle Easterners with nine days of remaining. until the election. The crude jokes drew immediate backlash and led to the endorsement of Democratic candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris by top Latinos Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, all with roots in Puerto Rico.
“These Latinas, they like to have babies too. Just know they do,” Hinchcliffe said, setting his joke: “There’s no pulling back. They don’t do that. They go inside, just like they did with our country”.
Moments later, the comedian took a second swing at an important voting bloc within the community: Puerto Ricans.
“There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you guys know this, but there is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” he said to a round of applause and jeers.
Hinchcliffe also told a joke about one of his black “mates” and how they “carved watermelons” together.
He also said: “When it comes to Israel and Palestine, we’re all thinking the same thing: Solve things already. Best of three: rock, paper, scissors. You know the Palestinians will throw stones every time. And we also know that Jews have a hard time throwing that paper away.”
It’s not the first time he makes racist jokes. After a May 2021 set, which he opened with offensive jokes containing an anti-Asian racial slur directed at the comedian who preceded him, Hinchcliffe was abandoned by his agent and lost a series of engagements. Hinchcliffe also gained attention in October 2024 after performing at a rally for presidential candidate Donald Trump.
So who is Tony Hinchcliffe?
Here are the top 10 things you need to know about the Ohio-born comedian and his career trajectory:
- Background and roots
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Tony Hinchcliffe shares his home state with Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance. Raised by a single mother, Hinchcliffe’s early life in Youngstown set the stage for his edgy, no-holds-barred style of comedy. - Rise in comedy
Hinchcliffe moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to pursue comedy, starting with an open mic at The Comedy Store, where he gradually progressed from working the phones to becoming a paying regular. His style of comedy, which often includes mature humor, attracted the attention of other comedians. - Mentoring with Jeff Ross
Known as the “Roastmaster General,” Jeff Ross became a mentor to Hinchcliffe, helping him secure his first writing jobs. Hinchcliffe went on to write several Comedy Central Roasts, including roasts for celebrities such as James Franco, Justin Bieber and Rob Lowe. - of Kill Tony Podcast
Since 2013, Hinchcliffe has been waiting Kill Tonya weekly live podcast featuring comedians performing short sets, followed by critiques from Hinchcliffe and guest judges. Known for its unfiltered content, the podcast has attracted a large following and sparked conversations on the fringes of comedy. - The first comedy special
Hinchcliffe’s debut hour-long special, One shotpremiered on Netflix in 2016 and was notable for being filmed in a single film. This exposure further established him as a comedian known for his dark, often confrontational humor. - Switch to Austin
In 2020, Hinchcliffe moved to Austin, Texas, teaming up with comedian Joe Rogan. Kill Tony then moved to Austin’s Vulcan Gas Company and later to Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership, where it continues to captivate audiences with its unpredictable, boundary-pushing format. - The previous controversy
In 2021, Hinchcliffe faced backlash after a set in which he used an anti-Asian slur against comedian Peng Dang. The incident, which was recorded and shared online, led to his departure from the shows and a split with his agency. Hinchcliffe later defended his comments as “just a joke”, sparking debate over comedy and free speech. - Wild humor at Trump rally
On October 27, 2024, Hinchcliffe performed as a warm-up act at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden. His set, which included derogatory jokes about Puerto Ricans, blacks and others, quickly drew public ire, leading to denunciations from political figures and Latino celebrities, including Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez. - Reaction from political figures
After his remarks at the rally, figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ritchie Torres condemned his statements. Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz directly criticized the comedian, while others labeled his comments offensive and out of line. - Response to criticism
Hinchcliffe responded on social media, defending his performance and saying “these people have no sense of humour”. He rejected accusations of racism, claiming his jokes were taken out of context, further intensifying public debate over his comedy style and influence.
Several prominent Florida Republicans spoke out against Hinchcliffe’s comments.
Representative María Elvira Salazar expressed her disapproval on social media, stating that she was “disgusted” by the comedian’s “racist comment.” “This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values,” Salazar wrote. Puerto Rico sent over 48,000 soldiers to Vietnam, with more than 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect.”
Sen. Rick Scott tweeted his rebuke, writing: “This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are wonderful people and wonderful Americans! I have been to the island many times. It is a beautiful place. Everyone should visit it! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island.”
Representative Carlos Gimenez joined the criticism, calling Hinchcliffe’s comments “utterly classless” and “in poor taste.” “Puerto Rico is the crown jewel of the Caribbean and home to many of the most patriotic Americans I know,” Gimenez posted. “Tony Hinchcliffe is clearly not funny and does not reflect my values or those of the Republican Party.”
Home to over 3 million US citizens, Puerto Rico has experienced significant migration to the US mainland since Hurricane Maria in 2017. While Puerto Ricans on the island do not vote in US presidential elections, their relatives on the mainland can.
