José E. Feliciano, the cofounder of Clearlake Capital Group, has spoken out against remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump’s rally, in which Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Feliciano, a Puerto Rican native living in Los Angeles, took to LinkedIn to express his disapproval, emphasizing the island’s proud people, rich culture, and family values. His comments were a departure from his usual nonpartisan stance, urging Americans to recognize the power of their voice and vote.
Feliciano’s net worth of $4.4 billion makes him one of the wealthiest Americans, and he joins fellow Puerto Rican billionaire Orlando Bravo in condemning Hinchcliffe’s remarks. Feliciano, who moved to the U.S. in 1990 to attend Princeton University before cofounding Clearlake Capital in 2006, has been a leading figure in the investment world. His firm now manages over $85 billion in assets and was involved in the takeover of Chelsea Football Club in 2022.
The backlash against Hinchcliffe’s comments has seen support for Kamala Harris from prominent Puerto Ricans in the entertainment industry. Artists like Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin have reposted a video from the Harris campaign in which she pledged to support Puerto Rico’s economy. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, has also voiced his support for Harris. While Feliciano did not explicitly endorse Harris in his post, he has made significant donations to her campaign, including $400,000 to the Harris Action Fund PAC and $145,600 to the Democratic National Committee.
Feliciano’s outspokenness on this issue marks a departure from his typical focus on business matters, and his support for Harris reflects his belief in the importance of political engagement. The Puerto Rican community’s response to Hinchcliffe’s comments underscores the strength of their identity and their commitment to defending their heritage. Feliciano’s voice adds to the chorus of those speaking out against derogatory remarks and standing up for the dignity and value of Puerto Rican culture.
As the fallout from Hinchcliffe’s comments continues, Feliciano’s willingness to speak out signals a growing awareness of the need to confront harmful stereotypes and promote cultural understanding. His support for Harris and his advocacy for the Puerto Rican community highlight the importance of using one’s platform and resources to effect positive change. In a time of division and hostility, voices like Feliciano’s serve as a reminder of the power of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. His actions underscore the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and speaking out against injustice, no matter how powerful the forces arrayed against you.
