Aubrey Plaza’s powerful response to racist remarks about Puerto Rico
During the recent WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards in New York, actress Aubrey Plaza delivered a passionate rebuttal to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who faced backlash for his derogatory comments about Puerto Rico. Hinchcliffe’s remarks, made during a rally for Donald Trump, referred to the island as “a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean,” igniting outrage among Puerto Ricans and their allies.
Plaza’s heartfelt message
While presenting an award to basketball star A’ja Wilson, Plaza took a moment to address Hinchcliffe directly. Her words were unfiltered: “Go fuck yourself.” This statement resonated with many in the audience, who responded with cheers and applause. Plaza, whose father is Puerto Rican, expressed her dismay at the racist joke, emphasizing her connection to the island and its culture.
“I just wanted to very quickly respond to the racist joke that was made at that Trump rally about Puerto Rico, where most of my family is from,” Plaza stated. She poignantly added that her grandmother, who had passed away, would have echoed her sentiments. “But if she was alive today, I think she would say, ‘Tony Hinchcliffe, go fuck yourself,’” she remarked, highlighting the deep familial ties and pride she holds for her heritage.
The impact of Hinchcliffe’s comments
Hinchcliffe’s remarks did not go unnoticed, as several Puerto Rican celebrities, including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin, condemned his comments and expressed solidarity with Plaza. They also encouraged their followers to support Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of the Latinx vote, which is projected to reach 14.7% of eligible voters by November, according to the Pew Research Center.
In response to the backlash, Hinchcliffe attempted to downplay the situation, claiming that his joke was taken out of context. He stated on social media, “These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his ‘busy schedule’ to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist.” His dismissive attitude has drawn further criticism, with many calling for a reevaluation of his comedic material.
Celebrity activism and cultural pride
Plaza’s bold stand is part of a larger movement among celebrities who are using their platforms to address social issues and advocate for their communities. The actress has previously spoken about her mixed heritage and the importance of family, stating, “So many crazy things were always happening, but we all have each other’s back at all times. And you know where you came from.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the Latinx community, as many individuals strive to celebrate their roots while confronting prejudice.
As the conversation around race and representation continues to evolve, Plaza’s response serves as a reminder of the power of celebrity voices in advocating for change. Her passionate defense of Puerto Rico not only highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the island but also encourages others to stand up against racism and discrimination in all forms.