Madison Square Garden Owner Responds to Criticism Over Trump Rally: “We Are Neutral in Political Matters”

A rep for Madison Square Garden has responded to criticism following a rally held at the New York arena on Sunday night by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, where several racist insults were made.

An MSG Entertainment spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday: “As a business we are neutral in political matters. We rent to either side. We don’t censor artists, performers or speakers.”

The event has been criticized in part for lewd and racist comments made by stand-up comedian Tony Hinchcliffe about Latinos, Jews and Black people, all of whom are key constituencies in the election, which is just a little over a week away.

“I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe said during the rally.

Hinchcliffe also made a racist joke about a Black person in the audience, saying he had “carved watermelons” with the audience member.

Among those criticizing Dolan was actress Ellen Barkin, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Sunday night: “Madison Square Garden is owned by James Dolan. A major supporter of nazi trump. His accomplice is one Irving Azoff. A Jew. A shonda for the goyim if ever one lived. May they suffer the pain of all who suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime.”

A source noted that the campaign rented Madison Square Garden, which has for decades hosted civic and political events with elected officials and world leaders, including both the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention. President Joe Biden in March held an event at Radio City Music Hall, which is owned by the Dolan family, that was attended by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

On Sunday, several Puerto Ricans working in the entertainment industry showed their support for Trump’s Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, following Hinchcliffe’s remarks.

During his own remarks on Sunday night, Trump praised James Dolan, whose family owns Madison Square Garden. (Dolan also happens to be a registered Democrat.)

“I want to thank Jim Dolan,” he said. “He’s been incredible. He’s been just incredible. The job they’ve done. The job they’ve done. Thank you.”

The two have been friends for more than 30 years. Dolan got married at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida.