What began as a lighthearted comedy show at the San Diego Civic Theatre on Saturda y, December 7, 2024, descended into chaos, sparked by a mix of controversial remarks and audience altercations. Headlined by comedian Adam Ray, dressed as Dr. Phil, and featuring Tony Hinchcliffe, the event turned heated when Hinchcliffe, known for edgy humor, stirred controversy with comments about Mexican food and California's burrito culture.
During the show, Hinchcliffe quipped, "Is that a white woman saying we’re all racist? Oh my god! And you wonder why I moved to Texas." His remarks followed an ongoing debate in the audience over the origins of burritos and his assertion that Texas has better Mexican food other than burritos.
Hinchcliffe surmised California's better burritos stem from "commuting Mexicans" needing portable meals with the large tortilla being the perfect vessel for the commute back home. The audience's reactions escalated as Hinchcliffe reportedly led chants involving a slur, reigniting backlash for his recent Trump rally comments mocking Puerto Rico.
The atmosphere worsened when two women in the audience began an argument, allegedly involving spilled drinks, culminating in a near-fight. Video footage shows Hinchcliffe and Ray attempting to calm the crowd as shouts and drunken disputes broke out across the venue. One online user speculated that the tension stemmed not only from Hinchcliffe's burrito remarks but also from his intent to "be edgy for the sake of being edgy." Hinchcliffe alleged invited the lady who got kicked out back on stage but she had already been escorted out.
This latest fiasco adds to Hinchcliffe’s controversy after his pre-election Trump rally set, where he referred to Puerto Rico as "a floating island of garbage." That incident drew widespread condemnation, with prominent figures like Rep. Ritchie Torres calling his remarks "racist garbage." While some dismiss his comments as edgy humor, critics question whether his shock-driven style is crossing boundaries.
See the video of the San Diego Civic Theatre incident below.
Originally published on December 9, 2024.
