The Netflix special "The Roast of Kevin Hart" has ignited widespread debate, drawing both praise for its unfiltered comedy and criticism for its controversial jokes about race, slurs, and Hart's family.
Divisive Jokes Spark Outrage
Released on Sunday, the roast featured comedians like Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe, whose jokes drew significant backlash. Gillis made remarks about Jeffrey Epstein, lynching, and slavery, including a line that Hart's ancestors arrived in America on a slave ship in a bottle. Hinchcliffe faced condemnation for a joke referencing George Floyd, stating that Floyd would be laughing so hard he could not breathe while looking down from heaven.
Family and Addiction Jokes
Multiple comedians also targeted Hart's late father's crack cocaine addiction, further fueling criticism. The backlash was swift, with activist Tamika Mallory, comedians Loni Love and Lil Rel Howery, and even George Floyd's family expressing their disapproval.
Michael Che Weighs In
Now, Saturday Night Live star Michael Che has added his voice to the controversy. On Instagram, Che wrote, "White guys and black people joke different. Black guy roast like, 'look at this [n-word] shoes!' White roasts are like, 'slavery, math, slain teens, sex crimes, slurs, family secrets..'" He added, "White guys don't give a f*** about they shoes."
Criticism of Writing Team
Che also targeted the roast's writers, posting a photo of the all-white writing team used by Shane Gillis, including comedians Zac Amico, Dan St. Germain, Mike Lawrence, J.P. McDade, and Nick Mullen. He sarcastically noted, "'Lets do a roast celebrating the career of the most successful black comic in the last 10 years,' I love that! Who should we get to write it?' C'monnnnnnnnn.. that's not funny?"
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around race and comedy, with many questioning the boundaries of humor and the responsibilities of comedians and platforms like Netflix.
