NEW YORK — Nicky Jam, the prominent Puerto Rican reggaeton artist, has chosen to retract his endorsement of Donald Trump as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election. This decision came just a month after he appeared in support of Trump at a rally.
The trigger for this change appears to be remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who described Puerto Rico using derogatory language during a Trump rally in New York. Jam explained in a video on his official Instagram that his initial support for Trump was based on the belief that he could bolster the U.S. economy, which significantly impacts many immigrants and Latinos, including himself. “My intention was to support what I believed was best for our community,” Jam stated in Spanish.
However, he expressed his dismay over Hinchcliffe’s comments, stating, “Never in my life did I think that a month later a comedian was going to come to criticize my country and speak badly of my country and therefore, I renounce any support for Donald Trump.” Jam emphasized the importance of respecting Puerto Rico.
While Jam’s representatives did not immediately respond to inquiries, it is noteworthy that although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they do not have voting rights in general elections. Yet, their influence can resonate powerfully through their family members who live in the mainland United States.
The fallout from Hinchcliffe’s inflammatory words has sparked reactions from various prominent Puerto Rican artists. Bad Bunny, one of the biggest names in music today, swiftly aligned with Vice President Kamala Harris after the incident. In a video shared to his Instagram, he articulated the rich history of Puerto Rico and its residents in cultural and political realms, captioning it simply with “garbage.” He asserted, “We have been fighting since day one of our existence, we are the definition of heart and resistance. Here we stand, here we are, and for those who forget who we are… don’t worry, we proudly remind you.”
Additionally, Ricky Martin, who had previously voiced support for Harris, was similarly incensed by Hinchcliffe’s remarks, posting his own reaction on Instagram to highlight the disrespect implied in those words.
Anuel AA, another well-known Puerto Rican artist who backed Trump last month, has yet to comment on Hinchcliffe’s statements, as his representatives have stated he is currently on tour.
Nicky Jam, celebrated for hits like “Travesuras,” “Voy a Beber,” and his collaboration with J Balvin, “X,” had supported Trump at a Las Vegas rally, during which Trump mistakenly referred to him as female, to which he had laughed in response.
In light of Jam’s withdrawal of support, the Mexican pop-rock band Maná announced the removal of their collaboration with him, “De pies a cabeza,” from digital platforms, asserting, “Maná does not work with racists.” The band will be showing support for Harris at an event in Las Vegas soon.