Tony Hinchcliffe, the comedian who became infamous for making controversial remarks during a Trump rally in October, has secured a deal with Netflix. The streaming giant announced that it is teaming up with Hinchcliffe to bring his popular live podcast, Kill Tony, to the platform.
Netflix plans to release three exclusive comedy specials, with the first one scheduled to premiere on April 7.
Hinchcliffe’s rise to the streaming platform comes despite the backlash he received for his racially charged jokes during a rally for former President Donald Trump in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. During his performance at the rally, Hinchcliffe made a series of derogatory jokes aimed at Jewish people, Black people, and Puerto Ricans.
One of the most controversial comments was made about Puerto Rico, which caused a stir across the political spectrum, from both conservative and liberal critics.
“There’s a lot going on. Like, I don’t know if you know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe quipped during his routine. The joke, widely regarded as offensive and racist, immediately drew criticism from various corners of the political world.
Many saw the comment as an attack on Puerto Rican people and the island’s ongoing struggles, including its waste management issues following Hurricane Maria.
A senior adviser from Trump’s campaign quickly distanced the former president from Hinchcliffe’s comments. The adviser stated that the joke “does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” attempting to separate the controversial comedian’s remarks from the political event itself.
However, the damage was already done, as the fallout from the incident spread.
Among those condemning Hinchcliffe was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who is of Puerto Rican descent. Ocasio-Cortez immediately responded to the joke, asserting that it revealed a deeper, troubling sentiment about Puerto Ricans held by some of Trump’s supporters.
“And I need people to understand … when you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you,” Ocasio-Cortez stated in a passionate response to the comedian's comment.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), also of Puerto Rican descent, expressed his outrage by taking to social media to criticize both Hinchcliffe and Trump. Torres went further, saying he was “tempted to call Hinchcliffe racist garbage but doing so would be an insult to garbage.”
He added, “When casting their ballots at the voting booth, Latinos should never forget the racism that Donald Trump seems all too willing to platform.” His words further fueled the fire of opposition to Hinchcliffe’s actions and continued the discussion of racism within the political landscape.
Despite the backlash, Hinchcliffe has continued to defend his right to make controversial jokes as part of his comedic style. The comedian, known for his edgy humor, regularly pushes boundaries in his performances.
While his jokes often spark debates about the line between comedy and racism, Hinchcliffe has built a loyal following for his brand of humor, which is designed to shock and provoke.
This controversial moment at the Trump rally was not the first time Hinchcliffe’s humor raised eyebrows. He has often courted controversy with his edgy remarks, especially in a climate where racial sensitivity and political correctness have become increasingly scrutinized.
While some fans defend Hinchcliffe's comedy as satire, others see it as a reflection of the divisive and harmful rhetoric that has come to dominate certain corners of American politics.
Hinchcliffe’s Netflix deal represents a significant career opportunity, as it will introduce him to a much wider audience. With Kill Tony being one of the top live podcasts in the comedy scene, Netflix's decision to turn it into three exclusive specials suggests that Hinchcliffe’s brand of humor, controversial as it may be, has found a significant fan base.
The first of these specials is set to premiere in April, and fans are eagerly anticipating the comedian's new content, despite the negative attention surrounding his past remarks.
The comedian's transition from a rally stage to the global platform of Netflix raises important questions about the role of controversial humor in mainstream media. While Netflix has been praised for supporting a diverse range of voices, the inclusion of a comedian like Hinchcliffe, who is willing to push the limits of acceptability, also highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure.
While some will undoubtedly continue to criticize Hinchcliffe for his past remarks, others may view his success with Netflix as a sign that there is still an appetite for unfiltered, provocative comedy. However, the ongoing debate about the line between comedy and harm will likely continue to follow both Hinchcliffe and Netflix as they move forward with their collaboration.
