Bad Bunny has released a stirring video tribute to Puerto Rico after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe referred to the U.S. commonwealth as a “floating island of garbage” during Donald Trump’s Oct. 27 rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The racist statement sparked widespread criticism, prompting Bad Bunny to respond not with words, but with a powerful eight-minute video he posted on his Instagram Tuesday (Oct. 29) — with the caption ironically saying “garbage” — that celebrates the resilience and rich culture of his native island.
Narrated by Oscar-winning Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro, the video was first showcased at Bad Bunny’s P FKN R stadium concert held at Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Dec. 10 and 11, 2021. The video has not been released to the public until now.
The short film portrays the historical and contemporary achievements of Puerto Rico, from its sports legends to its global musical influence, highlighting notables such as Roberto Clemente, the popular music group Menudo and international superstar Ricky Martin. It showcases a range of genres birthed in Puerto Rico, from bomba and plena to salsa and reggaetón, celebrating artists such as Hector Lavoe, Daddy Yankee and Residente, whose sounds and rhythms have transcended local boundaries to captivate audiences worldwide.
The finale sees a telling quote from Benito: “We are fighting since day one of our existence, we are the definition of heart and resistance. Here we continue, here we are, and for those who forget who we are … rest assured, we proudly remind you.”
One poignant moment comes when the narrator describes the communal and familial spirit of the island: “This is the story of the race that knows what last night was like, following what I lived, resilient and peak. And hand in hand with those who came before, we defend our beach, our university and our childhood. Because it is that the legends that beat in these latitudes do not let themselves be subdued.”
Bad Bunny’s response to the derogatory remarks is a testament not only to his pride in his heritage, but also to the resilience of the Puerto Rican people.
Watch the video below:
