Introduction

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe has recently secured a deal with Netflix that will feature three comedy specials inspired by his podcast, Kill Tony, scheduled to premiere on April 7. This announcement comes in the wake of significant public outcry regarding Hinchcliffe’s previous comments about Puerto Rico, which many found offensive.

Background on Controversy

At a rally for former President Donald Trump in October 2024, held at Madison Square Garden, Hinchcliffe made a joke about Puerto Rico that called it a “floating island of garbage.” The remark quickly drew condemnation from various celebrities and public figures, including Aubrey Plaza, Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Bunny, who expressed their displeasure over the derogatory statement.

Response from the Public and Celebrities

In the aftermath of the rally, the Trump campaign distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, which also included remarks about other sensitive topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During a podcast episode, Hinchcliffe stated, “I apologize to absolutely nobody,” arguing that his jokes were misinterpreted and aimed at various groups.

In response to the Netflix deal, some subscribers have voiced their discontent. One user shared, “As soon as I found out Netflix had signed to do a ‘comedy’ special with human piece of shit Tony Hinchcliffe, I immediately cancelled my six year old Netflix premium account.” Furthermore, multiple comments on social media urged others to reconsider their subscriptions and sell Netflix stock in protest.

Subscriber Reactions

Some viewers have explicitly called for a boycott of Netflix due to its decision to feature Hinchcliffe, citing dissatisfaction over supporting a comedian they perceive as hateful. Feedback from subscribers has included:

• One individual tweeted, “Hard pass on watching that guy. Do better, Netflix.”
• Another remarked on the stock market, encouraging followers to “CANCEL YOUR SUB. YOU’LL FEEL BETTER IN THE MORN. AND YOUR FELLOW HUMANS WILL THANK YOU.”

Netflix’s History with Controversial Comedians

This isn’t the first time Netflix has faced criticism for platforming comedians with contentious viewpoints. The company previously defended the airing of Dave Chappelle’s special The Closer, which addressed topics related to the transgender community, sparking discourse surrounding free speech and the responsibilities of entertainment platforms.