Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden event insulted “humanity and anyone of decent character”

Jennifer Lopez passionately advocated for Kamala Harris at a rally in Las Vegas this evening and rebuked Donald Trump for bringing a parade of speakers to an event at Madison Square Garden earlier this week who made racist jokes and sexist remarks.

Trump “has consistently worked to divide us,” Lopez said. “At Madison Square Garden he reminded us of who he really is and how he really feels. It wasn't just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day. It was every Latino in this country. It was humanity and anyone of decent character.”

Lopez spoke out in support of Harris on Sunday as a number of speakers at Trump's New York event made racist jokes and extreme statements. One comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe, called Puerto Rico an “island of trash,” sparking a backlash including prominent entertainers of Puerto Rican descent.

“I'm Puerto Rican, and yes, I was born here, and we are Americans,” Lopez said, adding, “I'm a mother.” I'm a sister. I am an actor and entertainer. And I like Hollywood endings. I like it when the good guy, and in this case the good girl, wins.”

Harris' campaign aimed to keep the remarks at the Madison Square Garden event in the spotlight. Hinchcliffe's comments have been placed in advertisements and celebrities such as LeBron James have quoted her in their endorsements. Ricky Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rita Moreno released an op-ed today defending Puerto Rico and the talent that hails from the US territory.

“You might be surprised at who some people think is trash,” they wrote.

At one point during her 15-minute speech, Lopez became emotional, telling the crowd: “We should be emotional. We should be upset. We should be afraid and outraged. We should – our pain matters. We are important. You are important. Your voice and your voice matter.”

Lopez devoted most of her speech to Harris, comparing her own upbringing to the vice president's and telling the crowd that she “gets it.”

“When I started in television and film, I could get roles as a maid or a loudmouth Latina, but I knew I had more to offer,” Lopez said. “And I think there are a lot of people in this country who feel the same way, who know they are capable of more, and we all just want the chance to prove it. And elections are about electing leaders who support that, not someone who stands in the way.”

Lopez both warned against Trump and expressed a personal reservation. “I am a lover. I'm not a fighter. I am not here to destroy or bring anyone down. I know what that can feel like, and I wouldn't do it to my worst enemy, even if I was facing the greatest enemy I think America has ever had internally. But throughout her career, Kamala Harris has proven to us who she is.”