Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Nicky Jam has announced his withdrawal of endorsement for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. This decision comes in the wake of a controversial statement made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who disparaged Puerto Rico during a Trump rally in New York.
In a video posted on his official Instagram page, Nicky Jam explained that his initial support for Trump was based on the belief that the former president would benefit the U.S. economy, which is home to many Latinos, including himself and other immigrants. However, following Hinchcliffe's derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico, Jam expressed his disapproval and renounced his support for Trump.
Despite Puerto Ricans not being able to vote in general elections, their influence is significant, especially among relatives on the mainland. The impact of Hinchcliffe's comments extended beyond Jam, as Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in response to the incident.
Bad Bunny highlighted the resilience and contributions of Puerto Ricans in various fields, emphasizing their pride and determination. Similarly, singer Ricky Martin, who had previously endorsed Harris, expressed his disappointment at the derogatory remarks made about Puerto Rico.
Another Puerto Rican star, Anuel AA, who had endorsed Trump, refrained from commenting on the situation due to being on tour. The fallout from Hinchcliffe's comments also led to the removal of a collaboration between Nicky Jam and the band Maná from online platforms, with the group citing their refusal to work with racists.
Maná, now aligned with Harris, is set to rally in Las Vegas. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about respect for Puerto Rico and its people, with prominent figures in the music industry taking a stand against derogatory remarks and discriminatory behavior.
