Kevin Hart is making it clear that while he understands why audiences were upset by some of the material during Netflix’s “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” he does not believe the backlash should fall squarely on him.
The comedian addressed the growing controversy after fellow comic Tony Hinchcliffe became the center of criticism for a George Floyd joke delivered during the special. The moment quickly spread online and triggered outrage from viewers, activists, and several public figures who argued the joke crossed a serious line.
Hart admitted the material was not something he personally would have said, especially given the cultural weight surrounding Floyd’s death and the protests that followed in 2020. Still, he defended the broader tradition of roast comedy, where performers are expected to push boundaries and take risks in pursuit of shock humor.
According to Hart, audiences tuning into a celebrity roast generally know the environment is designed to be uncomfortable, aggressive, and intentionally provocative. He stressed that each comedian is responsible for their own set and that he was focused primarily on producing an entertaining event rather than policing every joke delivered on stage.
The fallout intensified after Chelsea Handler openly criticized Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis, accusing both comedians of relying on racist and sexist material during the performance. Handler specifically condemned jokes involving lynching and George Floyd, arguing those topics should not be reduced to punchlines.
Sheryl Underwood also weighed in, saying some of the jokes went too far despite the roast format. Underwood revealed the comedians had contacted her beforehand regarding jokes involving her late husband, but she maintained that certain topics, particularly those involving Floyd, deserved more sensitivity.
The controversy has once again highlighted the growing divide in entertainment over the limits of comedy. Supporters of roast culture argue that offensive humor is part of the genre’s DNA, while critics say some subjects carry too much real-world trauma to be treated as comedy fodder.
Even amid the backlash, the Netflix special continues to attract major attention online, proving that celebrity roasts remain one of comedy’s most polarizing formats.
