Nicky Jam, a Puerto Rican-Dominican singer who endorsed former President Donald Trump in September, has backtracked after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally Sunday.
“Never in my life did I think that just one month later a comedian would show up and criticize my country, and speak poorly of my country. And for that, I revoke any support for Donald Trump and I’m stepping aside from any kind of political situation. Puerto Rico is to be respected,” Jam said in a video posted to social media Wednesday.
At a rally last month in which the singer endorsed Trump, the former president accidentally misgendered him, saying, “Latin music superstar Nicky Jam, do you know Nicky? She’s hot. Where’s Nicky?”
In his post Wednesday, Jam emphasized that he originally supported Trump because he thought he would be strong on economic issues that would be beneficial to the Latino population.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., responded by praising the reggaeton star’s decision.
“Thank you for having the courage to show by example that it’s okay to change your mind and stand up for our community,” she wrote on social media.
Anuel AA, another Puerto Rican artist who backed Trump at a separate rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has not made any comment yet on the comedian’s remarks.