In a turn that could influence Latino voters in the 2024 presidential race, Bad Bunny, the globally renowned Puerto Rican artist, has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris shortly after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made inflammatory comments about Puerto Rico during a Trump rally. The incident unfolded Sunday at Madison Square Garden, where Hinchcliffe, while introducing Donald Trump, reportedly called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean” and further stereotyped Latinos with insensitive remarks.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, responded by sharing a video of Harris’s detailed plan for Puerto Rico on his Instagram, where he has over 45.6 million followers. He highlighted clips of Harris condemning Trump’s handling of Hurricane Maria’s recovery efforts—a subject that resonates deeply within Puerto Rican communities still struggling from the 2018 devastation.
A Key Endorsement in a Tight Election Race
Although Puerto Rico does not have electoral votes in the U.S. presidential election, its influence is significant, with many Puerto Ricans residing in swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This demographic could play a critical role in deciding the election, particularly as Trump aims to sway Latino voters.
Bad Bunny’s endorsement holds significant weight, especially with young Latino voters who follow his music and social advocacy. His decision aligns him with a growing list of celebrities, including Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez, who have condemned the comments made at the rally. Martin posted a clip of Hinchcliffe’s joke with the caption, “This is what they think of us,” while Lopez shared her support for Harris’s plan for Puerto Rico.
Political Ramifications of Hinchcliffe’s Remarks
The backlash to Hinchcliffe’s remarks has spotlighted concerns about Trump’s outreach strategy within the Latino community. His comments about Puerto Ricans, compounded with stereotypes about Latinos, have sparked anger and frustration, particularly as Puerto Ricans continue to feel the effects of Trump’s earlier responses to natural disasters on the island. At the rally, Hinchcliffe reportedly described Puerto Ricans and Latinos with a series of crass jokes about birth rates, which critics say were intended to demean rather than amuse.
Social Media as a Catalyst for Political Impact
Bad Bunny’s endorsement of Kamala Harris via Instagram has generated significant attention, showcasing the power of social media to shift public opinion quickly. Harris’s campaign had long sought Bad Bunny’s endorsement, as his influence among young, politically active Latinos could mobilize a key demographic group. A Democratic strategist recently stated that Bad Bunny’s support could be “even more important” than high-profile endorsements from other celebrities, potentially swaying voters in key states.
With approximately 4% of Pennsylvania’s population identifying as Puerto Rican, along with substantial communities in Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida, Bad Bunny’s influence could be pivotal. The endorsement also serves to amplify the broader Latino community’s dissatisfaction with rhetoric seen as dismissive or harmful.
