Kevin Hart addresses backlash over roast joke about George Floyd

Kevin Hart addresses backlash over roast joke about George Floyd

Los Angeles Times entertainment

Key Points:

  • Kevin Hart defended the controversial Netflix "Roast of Kevin Hart," acknowledging the offensive nature of some jokes, including a George Floyd joke, but emphasizing that such racial humor is part of the roast format and comedy tradition.
  • Hart praised Tony Hinchcliffe's performance during the roast, stating he understood why the jokes were made even if he personally would not tell them, and clarified his role was to produce a successful roast, not to police the comedians' material.
  • The George Floyd joke, referencing Floyd's last words "I can't breathe," sparked backlash from viewers and Floyd's family, with his brother Terrence Floyd expressing disappointment that Hart did not intervene.
  • The roast has also fueled tension among participating comedians, with Chelsea Handler criticizing Tony Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis for racist and sexist behavior, while Gillis accused Handler of exploiting the controversy for attention.
  • The incident highlights ongoing debates within comedy about the boundaries of humor, especially regarding sensitive social issues and the responsibilities of comedians and hosts during events like roasts.

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