Puerto Rican archbishop demands personal apology from Trump over 'floating island of garbage' rally remark

The Archbishop of San Juan, Roberto O. González Nieves, has publicly called on former US President Donald Trump to issue a personal apology for the offensive remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally in New York City.

"I enjoy a good joke," said the archbishop in a letter posted to Facebook. "However, humour has its limits. It should not insult or denigrate the dignity and sacredness of people. Hinchcliffe's remarks do not only provoke sinister laughter but hatred."

What did Hinchcliffe say?

During his opening set at Madison Square Garden on Sunday (Oct 27), Hinchcliffe made comments that leaned into racial stereotypes, including a jab calling Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage," sparking widespread backlash.

Leaning into the racist stereotype that Latinos are preoccupied with childbearing and averse to birth control, the comedian said they "love making babies" and do not "pull out".

"There's literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now," Hinchcliffe said, adding, "I think it's called Puerto Rico."

Criticism of the "joke"

Archbishop González Nieves, in his letter, expressed disappointment and highlighted that while humour has its place, it should not be used to degrade or spread animosity. He insisted that a campaign statement alone is insufficient and that Trump should personally apologise.

"It is not sufficient for your campaign to apologise, said the archbishop, adding, "It is important that you, personally, apologise for these comments."

The incident, just over a week before the US presidential election, has also led to criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

Angel Cintrón, chairperson of the Republican Party in Puerto Rico,announced that he would withhold his support for Trump until a direct apology was made.

"Right now we have no business and no relationship with Trump," he announced Monday night on Jugando Pelota Dura, a Puerto Rican talk show.

Cintrón emphasised that the remarks were not only offensive but damaged the Republican Party's image among Puerto Rican voters.

Trump campaign distances itself from remarks

The Trump campaign swiftly issued a statement disavowing the comedian’s comments. However, Trump himself has yet to respond.

"Look, it was a comedian who made a joke in poor taste," Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.

Meanwhile, the comedian Hinchcliffe tried to play down the offensive nature of his comments.

"These people have no sense of humour," he wrote on X in response to a critical video from Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

(With inputs from agencies)