Nicky Jam dismisses Trump support over 'rubbish' comment on Puerto Rico

Nicky Jam, a Puerto Rican Dominican singer who endorsed former President Donald Trump in September, has backtracked after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

“Never in my life did I think that just a month later a comedian would come out and criticize my country and speak badly about my country. And for that I withdraw all support for Donald Trump and renounce any political situation. Puerto Rico must be respected,” Nicky Jam, whose real name is Nick Rivera Caminero, said in a video posted to social media on Wednesday.

At a rally last month where the singer was supporting him, Trump accidentally mistook him for saying, “Latin music superstar Nicky Jam, do you know Nicky?” She's hot. Where’s Nicky?”

In his post on Wednesday, Nicky Jam emphasized that he originally supported Trump because he believed he would be strong on economic issues that would benefit the Latino population.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., responded by praising Nicky Jam's decision.

“Thank you for having the courage to lead by example, that it’s okay to change your mind and stand up for our community,” she wrote on social media.

Other high-profile Puerto Rican artists have strongly condemned the comments and in turn supported Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign.

Bad Bunny, perhaps the island's best-known cultural figure, posted a video on social media with the caption “Trash” that highlighted the beauty and history of his home island. Jennifer Lopez also said she would be attending a campaign event with Harris in Las Vegas this week.

Anuel AA, another Puerto Rican artist who supported Trump at a separate rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has not yet commented on the comedian's comments.