A contentious remark about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally sparks a significant shift in Latin music industry alliances.
According to The Associated Press, reggaeton artist Nicky Jam has rescinded his endorsement of Donald Trump following controversial comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a New York rally.
This decision, a stark change from Jam's endorsement just a month ago, has sparked reactions from notable Puerto Rican artists and celebrities. The backlash arose after Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as "garbage" during the crowded Trump event.
Nicky Jam, known for hits like "Travesuras" and "X," explained his position in a video statement. Here's what he shared:
The reason why I supported Donald Trump was because I thought he was the best for the economy in the United States, where many Latinos live, many of us Latinos live, myself included, many immigrants who are suffering because of the economy and him, being a businessman, I thought it was the best move.
The fallout has extended beyond Jam's withdrawal. Mexican band Maná has removed their 2016 collaboration with Jam, "De pies a cabeza," from online platforms, citing their stance against racism. The group plans to rally with Vice President Kamala Harris in Las Vegas on Thursday.
Multiple high-profile Puerto Rican artists have voiced their opposition to the comments. Grammy winner Bad Bunny shared a powerful video defending Puerto Rico's cultural significance, while actor Aubrey Plaza expressed her dismay at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards.
The controversy highlights the unique political position of Puerto Ricans. Though island residents cannot vote in general elections despite U.S. citizenship, their influence extends through mainland relatives who possess voting rights.
Bad Bunny's subsequent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris demonstrates the incident's political ripple effects. The superstar's response included a comprehensive video about Puerto Rico's contributions to various sectors of American society.
Ricky Martin, who had previously endorsed Harris, added his voice to the chorus of criticism. His social media response reflected the broader sentiment among Puerto Rican artists regarding the controversial remarks.
The initial Trump rally where Jam appeared included an awkward moment when Trump appeared to misidentify the male artist's gender. This incident preceded the current controversy by approximately one month.
Some artists, like Anuel AA, who had also endorsed Trump, have yet to comment on the situation. His representatives cited touring commitments as the reason for his current silence on the matter. The controversy has created clear divisions within the Latin music industry. Various artists have chosen different ways to express their support or opposition to the political situation.
The incident demonstrates how cultural insensitivity can rapidly reshape political allegiances. What began as a comedian's remarks has evolved into a broader discussion about respect for Puerto Rican heritage and identity.
The response from the entertainment community shows the deep connections between cultural representation and political engagement. This controversy has transformed from a simple endorsement withdrawal into a broader statement about cultural respect and political responsibility.
