Singer Nicky Jam has withdrawn his previous support for former President Donald Trump after a comedian insulted Puerto Rico during a Trump rally on Sunday.
In a Spanish-language video posted Wednesday, the musician admitted that he initially supported Trump for economic reasons but said he is now “renouncing” his endorsement.
“The reason I supported Donald Trump was because I thought he was best for the economy,” the singer said, according to a JS translation from Spanish to English. “In the United States, where many Latinos live, including myself, many immigrants are suffering because of the economy, and I thought becoming a businessman was the best move.”
He then referenced comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments during Trump’s racist rally at Madison Square Garden last Sunday. Hinchcliffe had referred to the US territory of Puerto Rico as one “floating island of waste.”
‘Never in my life would I have thought that a month later a comedian would come and criticize my country, speak ill of [Puerto Rico],” said the singer, who is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent.
“That is why I renounce any support for Donald Trump and leave any political situation. Puerto Rico must be respected,” concluded Nicky Jam.
The reggaeton star’s recent turn comes after Trump misapproached him at a rally in Las Vegas in September before taking the stage in a MAGA hat to shake the former president’s hand.
Your support has never been more crucial
Support JS
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
“Latin music superstar Nicky Jam,” Trump said. ‘Do you know Nicky? She’s hot. Where’s Nicky? Where’s Nicky? Thanks, Nicky. Nice to have you here.”
The singer did not publicly address Trump’s mistake. However, he did receive criticism for supporting Trump, especially from the Mexican band Maná and its frontman, Fher Olvera. according to Rolling Stone.
Nicky Jam and Maná had previously collaborated on the song “De Pies a Cabeza”, but Maná the song removed from streaming services following Nicky Jam’s endorsement of Trump.
Commenting on the recent news, Olvera told Rolling Stone, “It’s never too late to change your mind. There is still time to do the right thing. This is about exercising our Latino power. Go out and vote for our rights.”