Category: Kevin Hart Roast Controversies

  • Sheryl Underwood on Suicide Joke: Free Speech?

    The Roast of Kevin Hart was packed with edgy humor, but one joke definitely crossed a line for many viewers. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe targeted Sheryl Underwood with a joke about her late husband, Michael Sparkman, who died by suicide in 1990. The moment has sparked a huge online conversation about where the line is for comedy.

    A Joke That Hit Too Close to Home

    During his set at the Netflix event, Hinchcliffe said, “Her husband committed suicide three years into the marriage. I’ve been sitting next to her for two hours, and I have to ask: how did he last that long?” While Underwood was seen laughing during the live show, the audience and viewers online were not amused.

    The backlash was swift, with many people on social media calling the joke tasteless and inappropriate, especially given the sensitive nature of suicide and mental health struggles. It’s a stark reminder that even in a roast setting, some topics are incredibly difficult.

    Sheryl Underwood’s Response: Free Speech or Too Far?

    After the event, Sheryl Underwood addressed the controversy in an interview with TMZ. Her take? “Freedom of speech is alive and well at Netflix.” This suggests she acknowledges the nature of a roast, even if the joke was personally painful.

    She didn’t stop there, though. Underwood also delivered a comeback of her own during the show, turning the tables with a joke directed at Hinchcliffe. She quipped, “Question for the day is, who has had more Black d–k in this town? Me or Chelsea Handler? The answer is Tony Hinchcliffe.” This shows she can dish it out as well as take it, within the context of the roast.

    Other Roasts and Reactions

    It wasn’t just Hinchcliffe who took aim at Underwood. Host Shane Gillis also referenced her late husband, Michael Sparkman, during his roasting segment. The Roast of Kevin Hart certainly didn’t shy away from controversial topics, pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in comedy.

    What do you think about Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke and Sheryl Underwood’s response? Is it all fair game at a roast, or did it go too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

  • Lil Rel Slams George Floyd Joke at Kevin Hart Roast

    The Roast of Kevin Hart was a night of no-holds-barred comedy, but for comedian Lil Rel Howery, one joke went way too far. While many performers delivered, Howery found a particular joke by Tony Hinchcliffe about George Floyd to be completely out of line and, frankly, disgusting.

    A Joke That Didn’t Land

    Howery, who missed the live event due to filming, caught up on the roast later and praised many of the comedians, including Kevin Hart himself. However, he couldn’t get past Hinchcliffe’s remarks about George Floyd. “What I am annoyed by… I don’t understand, it’s one thing to roast the people that’s there,” Howery stated in an Instagram video.

    He continued, “Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke about George Floyd didn’t make f—ing sense to me. It was no reason to bring George Floyd into this. It was just disgusting.” For Howery, the joke lacked any comedic purpose and was simply offensive, especially given the tragic circumstances of Floyd’s death.

    Questioning the Audience’s Reaction

    Adding to his frustration, Howery pointed out what he saw as a double standard in the audience’s reaction. He noted that the crowd seemed to boo Draymond Green whenever he was mentioned, yet didn’t react similarly to Hinchcliffe’s joke about George Floyd. “The audience was OK boo’ing Draymond Green every time his name was mentioned,” he questioned, “But you don’t boo Tony Hinchcliffe right after that?”

    This perceived lack of outrage from the audience over a joke about a figure like George Floyd struck Howery as particularly baffling and disappointing. It raises questions about what topics are considered off-limits and how audiences respond to different kinds of humor.

    Wider Backlash and Family Statement

    Lil Rel Howery isn’t alone in his criticism. The joke also drew significant backlash from other comedians, including Loni Love, and others online. Furthermore, George Floyd’s family released a statement expressing their hope for “a little bit more positive” discourse, highlighting the impact such jokes can have on those directly affected.

    What are your thoughts on Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke about George Floyd at the Roast of Kevin Hart? Did it cross a line for you, or is it all fair game in comedy? Share your opinion in the comments below!