Kevin Hart Responds to Controversial George Floyd Joke Made at His Netflix Roast
Hart Says He "Expected" the Provocative Humor in the Context of Roasts
Kevin Hart has addressed the backlash following a joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during the recent Netflix Roast of Kevin Hart. In a conversation on The Breakfast Club, Hart clarified his stance on the joke, which referenced George Floyd, and urged audiences not to hold him accountable for remarks made by other comedians.
"I was not shocked by the joke and understood the context of the roast."
Hart explained that roasts are traditionally designed to push boundaries with provocative humor. When asked if the joke crossed a line, Hart stated he "expects such material" from Hinchcliffe, emphasizing the specific nature of the event. He also made a direct plea to the public: "Do not blame me for jokes I did not say."
Fallout from the Event
The joke has drawn significant criticism from high-profile figures. Terrence Floyd, George Floyd's brother, publicly criticized Hart for not intervening during the set. Furthermore, comedian Chelsea Handler labeled both Hinchcliffe and roast host Shane Gillis as "racist and sexist" in the aftermath of the performance.
Despite the escalating controversy, Hart maintains that the framework of a roast dictates a different standard of comedy, and that audience expectations should reflect that environment.