Tony Hinchcliffe was a relative unknown to the world of politics before he told a series of off-color jokes about Puerto Rico and Latinos at former President Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally last weekend.

An insult comic best known for brutal roasts and searing personal attacks, Hinchcliffe’s joke referring to Puerto Rico as a floating island of “garbage” landed him at the center of a dayslong controversy.

Political observers and entertainment industry experts say Hinchcliffe’s high-profile, controversial routine at the Trump rally, and the backlash it sparked, is likely to have a lasting impact on his career regardless of whether it makes a difference on Election Day.

“I think ultimately it’s great for him,” said Matt Sienkiewicz, chair of the Boston College Communication Department, who specializes in right-wing comedy. “The economy for a comedian is attention. He introduced himself to a large amount of people. And the fact that somebody who never knew you does not like you is never a harm for a comedian.”

A native of Ohio who got his start at open mic nights and comedy clubs across Los Angeles, Hinchcliffe specializes in insult stand up, often roasting audience members and other comedians he performs with. He does not market himself as a political or conservative comic, notwithstanding the appearance at the Trump rally.

Hinchcliffe has during interviews cited leading roast comic Jeff Ross as a mentor, and today hosts a popular and raunchy podcast titled “Kill Tony.”

Hinchcliffe’s comedy targeting ethnic groups has stirred controversy........

© The Hill