Chelsea Handler Calls Out Shane Gillis for ‘Racist’ Roast Jokes as the Comedian Responds

Chelsea Handler has voiced her strong disapproval of certain jokes made by comedians Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe during Netflix’s recent special, ‘The Roast of Kevin Hart.’ The prominent comedian and author described some of the material as “racist,” “bigoted,” and “sexist,” asserting that parts of the roast were not only inappropriate but also deeply offensive.

Handler aired her criticisms during an appearance on the podcast ‘Funny Knowing You’ hosted by Deon Cole. She did not hold back when discussing her views on the controversial content that emerged during the roast, which was intended as a light-hearted tribute to comedian Kevin Hart.

Addressing the humour of Gillis, Handler said, “It’s just everything we know — that they’re racist, that they’re bigots, that they’re sexist.” Her discontent was particularly aimed at a specific joke made by Gillis that referenced lynching, which she condemned as wholly unacceptable. Speaking candidly, Handler remarked, “I don’t find those jokes to be funny, jokes about lynching Black people. Lynching is not a joke. That’s worse than rape.”

In addition to her criticisms of Gillis, Handler also called out Hinchcliffe for making remarks about Sheryl Underwood’s late husband, Michael Sparkman. Sparkman tragically took his own life in 1990, and Handler expressed her distaste for the comments, insisting, “I found them making fun of Sheryl Underwood’s dead husband who committed suicide… I thought that was disgusting.”

Despite Handler’s outspoken condemnation, Underwood herself defended the jokes later that same day on Gillis’ podcast, ‘Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast.’ She claimed that sometimes humour can be a coping mechanism, suggesting that the intent behind the jokes was not malicious.

Handler continued to articulate her feelings about the roast, asserting that it had a particularly unpleasant tone. She mentioned, “There was so much disgustingness… Kevin didn’t deserve that. He deserved an elevated roast.” Her commentary reveals a divide within the comedy community regarding the acceptability of certain jokes, particularly those touching on sensitive subjects.

In response to Handler’s critical remarks, Gillis took a more light-hearted approach, stating in a released statement, “This is a big moment for Chelsea. I am glad she’s capitalising. Good for her. We’re all rooting for her.” He encouraged audiences to attend his performance in Philadelphia later this year, seemingly dismissing Handler’s concerns.

Meanwhile, representatives for both Hinchcliffe and Kevin Hart have not publicly commented on the unfolding situation, leaving some questions unanswered about their perspectives on the controversial roast.

Handler was one of the headline performers during the roast, sharing the stage with other notable figures in comedy, including Pete Davidson and Tiffany Haddish, as well as celebrity guests like Tom Brady and Dwayne Johnson, who also contributed to the comedic tribute.

This incident raises broader questions about the boundaries of comedy and the appropriateness of joking about sensitive topics, ultimately highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the role of humour in society and its potential impact on individuals and communities.