Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Nicky Jam has publicly retracted his endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, just a month after he supported the candidate at a rally. This decision comes in light of recent derogatory comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a Trump rally, where he referred to Puerto Rico as “garbage.”
In a statement shared on his Instagram, Jam explained that his initial support stemmed from a belief that Trump’s business background would benefit the economy, particularly for many Latinos and immigrants grappling with economic hardships. However, he expressed his disappointment following Hinchcliffe’s comments, which he found disrespectful to his native Puerto Rico. “I renounce any support for Donald Trump, and I sidestep any political situation. Respect Puerto Rico, Nicky Jam,” he stated.
While Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they are unable to vote in general elections, yet they can influence political discourse through their connections in the mainland. The impact of Hinchcliffe’s remarks has been significant, prompting other prominent Puerto Rican figures to take a stand. Among them, Grammy-award winner Bad Bunny quickly aligned himself with Vice President Kamala Harris, sharing a poignant message of pride in Puerto Rican resilience on social media.
Other celebrities, such as actress Aubrey Plaza and singer Ricky Martin, also condemned Hinchcliffe’s comments. Plaza emphasized that her grandmother would have reacted negatively to such derogatory statements, while Martin highlighted the condescending views often held about Puerto Ricans.
Additionally, the Mexican pop-rock band Maná reportedly severed ties with Jam by removing their collaborative song “De pies a cabeza” from digital platforms, stating, “Maná does not work with racists.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Jam’s decision to withdraw his endorsement serves as a reminder of the power of artists in shaping political discussions and resisting disrespectful narratives. It reflects a broader movement among Puerto Rican artists advocating for respect and representation in the face of adversity.
In summary, Nicky Jam’s change of stance demonstrates how events and comments can swiftly reshape public affiliations and highlight the cultural impact of artists in political dialogues.