The family of George Floyd is expressing their deep disappointment and anger following a recent comedy roast. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a remark during a roast of Kevin Hart that has been widely condemned as disrespectful, particularly given the tragic circumstances of Floyd’s death.
A Joke That Crossed the Line
During the event, Hinchcliffe made a joke referencing George Floyd’s final moments, stating, “The Black community is so proud of you… right now George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard he can’t breathe.” This punchline, a direct play on Floyd’s last words, was met with groans and immediate backlash from the audience.
A spokesperson for The Gianna & George Floyd Foundation described the moment as “sad for the culture.” They highlighted that this isn’t the first time Hinchcliffe has made light of the tragedy, suggesting a disturbing pattern in his comedic material. The family questions why Kevin Hart, as the host, didn’t intervene or set clearer boundaries.
Impact on the Family and Community
The Floyd family’s inner circle expressed disbelief at Hinchcliffe’s “sick obsession” with using George Floyd’s name for laughs. They emphasized their ongoing efforts to rebuild and create positivity within their community, contrasting it with what they perceive as cruel humor from certain comedians.
We are trying to rebuild things for our community and make things better in our community. Let’s try to be a little bit more positive and not sit up there doing colon inspections by white comedians. — The Gianna & George Floyd Foundation
Actor and comedian Lil Rel also weighed in, calling the joke “disgusting” and stating that it “made no sense.” The constant jokes about such a profound tragedy have real-world consequences, causing further pain to Floyd’s loved ones.
A Call for Respect
The message from the Floyd family is clear: the tragedy of a man’s life, and the movement it sparked, should not be used as a prop for cheap laughs. While roasts are known for their edgy content, the family believes Hinchcliffe’s joke crossed a fundamental line of human decency.
What are your thoughts on Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke and the family’s response? Do you think comedy roasts have gone too far? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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