Trump says he has no idea who Tony Hinchcliffe is after comedian's Puerto Rico remarks at MSG rally

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump has publicly disavowed knowledge of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who made a series of offensive jokes about Puerto Rico and Latinos during Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden.

Following backlash, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he had "never heard of" Tony Hinchcliffe and did not endorse his statements at the rally on October 27.

Donald Trump says he has 'never heard of' Tony Hinchcliffe

During an interview on Fox News, Trump responded to questions regarding Hinchcliffe’s controversial remarks at the New York City rally.

Hinchcliffe, known for his edgy 'Kill Tony' podcast, made comments that some found racially insensitive, likening Puerto Rico to “a floating island of garbage.”

However, the Republican presidential nominee insisted he had no prior knowledge of Hinchcliffe or his involvement in the event, stating, “I have no idea who he is."

"Somebody said there was a comedian that joked about Puerto Rico, or something, and I have no idea who it was. I never saw him, never heard of him, and don’t want to hear of him.”

Trump also emphasized that it’s common for rally organizers to include comedians, noting, “They put a comedian in, which everybody does… you don’t vet them and go crazy.”

Controversial remarks on Puerto Rico and Latino stereotypes

Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks went beyond the Puerto Rico joke, further targeting Latinos with derogatory comments based on negative stereotypes.

He joked that Latinos “love making babies” and added, “They don’t do [contraception]. They come inside. Just like they did to our country.”

These comments ignited immediate criticism online, with many rally attendees and viewers condemning the rhetoric as racist.

Trump campaign swiftly distances itself from Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks

In response to the backlash, the Trump campaign issued a statement distancing itself from Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments.

Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser for the campaign, clarified that the comedian’s statements “do not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”

Trump also underscored his administration’s work in Puerto Rico, stating, “I’ve done more for Puerto Rico than any other president that’s ever been president,” according to Daily Mail.

Internet mocks Donald Trump for claiming he does not know Tony Hinchcliffe

After Donald Trump claimed he did not know Tony Hinchcliffe after his controversial jokes at the Madison Square Garden rally, netizens mocked the former president.

One user on X wrote, "Here’s Trump pulling out the “never saw him, never heard of him” line about @TonyHinchcliffe

So, Trump is fine with literally anyone getting up at one of his rallies and saying anything they want? Bold strategy cotton etc."

"If he doesn't know who is going to be at his own rally, then he doesn't know much about what's going on in our Country. He's such a liar The biggest con artist around," a netizen commented. Another opined, "Frankly, I'm shocked that he didn't claim that the comedian was a Democrat plant."

"Deny deny deny. That is all he does. If he can't control his narrative, how can he control our country? No apology. Nothing," an individual remarked. One penned, "Same old tired playbook... Deny knowing anyone or anything."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.