Aubrey Plaza responds fiercely to Tony Hinchcliffe’s offensive joke about Puerto Rico

Aubrey Plaza, known widely for her role in Agatha All Along, recently took to a prestigious stage to address a controversial and offensive joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a rally. The event, which took place at Madison Square Garden with Donald Trump in attendance, saw Hinchcliffe making a tasteless and racially charged comment about Puerto Rico.

Plaza’s passionate defense at the Innovator Awards

During the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards on Tuesday night, Plaza did not mince words. “I want to very quickly respond to the racist joke made at that Trump rally about Puerto Rico, where most of my family is from,” she declared. In a raw and heartfelt moment captured on video, Plaza continued, “Thankfully, my sweet abuelita wasn’t here to hear that disgusting remark. But if she was alive today, I think she would say, ‘Tony Hinchcliffe, go fuck yourself.’”

Hinchcliffe’s insensitive jokes ignite backlash

Hinchcliffe’s comments didn’t just stop at Puerto Ricans. During the Sunday night event in New York, his jokes spanned a range of targets, including Latinos, Jews, and Black people. The remark that particularly stung many was, “I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”

The backlash was swift and pronounced. Democratic presidential campaigns, including that of Kamala Harris, sharply criticized Hinchcliffe’s remarks. Influential Puerto Rican stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Ricky Martin also expressed their disapproval, sharing Harris’s campaign messages that highlighted her plans for aiding Puerto Rico.

Prominent voices stand in solidarity

Marc Anthony, another distinguished Puerto Rican artist, lent his support to Kamala Harris, previously endorsing her and doubling down as Hinchcliffe’s comments gained attention on Sunday night. Similarly, Sunny Hostin, a co-host on The View, offered a powerful counter-narrative, condemning both Hinchcliffe and Trump.

“This Puerto Rican has something to say about the island that I love, where my family is from. Puerto Rico is trash? We are Americans, Donald Trump, Americans,” Hostin fervently declared, adding, “And we know how to take the trash out, Donald Trump. Trash that has been collecting since 2016, and that’s you Donald Trump. And my fellow Puerto Ricans, trash collection day is Nov. 5, 2024. Don’t forget it.”

Plaza’s commitment to heritage in her career

Plaza’s responses and public persona are not novel. She frequently infuses her heritage into her work, a point she elaborated on in an interview for Time‘s 2024 Latino Leaders package. “I have a different kind of experience than a lot of other Latinx actors because a lot of people don’t even know that I’m half Puerto Rican. It’s something that I always like to remind people of and bring to the table,” Plaza shared.

Reflecting on the impact and professionalism in entertainment

The incident at Madison Square Garden sheds light on broader issues within the entertainment industry and society at large. The juxtaposition of blatant racism at such a public event against the impassioned defenses from influential figures like Aubrey Plaza highlights the need for accountability and cultural sensitivity in public discourse. Stars leveraging their platforms to challenge harmful narratives is a testament to the evolving responsibilities of public figures today.

From technical artistry in films to the integrative representation of diverse heritages, the roles and responsibilities of entertainers are expanding beyond mere performance. They are becoming vanguards, advocating for respect, inclusion, and accurate representation.

The changing landscape of representation in media

The ripple effects of such controversies also underscore the importance of responsible media representation. As Anthony, Lopez, and others stand in solidarity with their cultural heritage, they pave the way for future generations to see themselves represented positively and authentically in media. This is particularly crucial in an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity and propensity for stereotypes.

The entertainment industry is not just about storytelling; it shapes perceptions and contributes to the collective consciousness. Hence, the pushback against derogatory remarks and the solidarity shown by stars are steps towards a more inclusive and respectful media landscape.

Looking ahead

While the journey towards comprehensive cultural sensitivity and respect in entertainment is ongoing, the voices of stars like Aubrey Plaza play a crucial role in shaping this narrative. Through her unapologetic stance, Plaza reminds us of the power of words and the importance of standing up for what is just and right.

Stay tuned for more updates and insightful analyses by following us on social media. Share this narrative to amplify the voices calling for respect, inclusion, and integrity in public discourse and popular media.