Kevin Hart Says Tony Hinchcliffe’s George Floyd Roast Joke ‘Wasn’t Tasteful’

In a recent interview on the radio show The Breakfast Club, comedian Kevin Hart candidly discussed the backlash surrounding a joke made by Tony Hinchcliffe during Netflix’s special The Roast of Kevin Hart. The controversial joke referenced George Floyd, whose death in May 2020 at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin sparked global protests and a widespread movement against racial injustice. Hart characterised Hinchcliffe’s remarks as “not tasteful” but acknowledged the stylistic norms of roasts that often push the limits of comedy.

During the interview, Hart elaborated on the type of humour roasts typically encompass. He explained that while he personally wouldn’t make such jokes, he understood why they might be shared within the context of a roast environment. “If you’re watching the roast, you get why they’re doing it,” he said. Hart’s comments came after host Charlamagne tha God expressed his disapproval of Hinchcliffe’s remarks, which included the statement, “Right now, George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard that he can’t breathe.”

Hart defended the nature of roast comedy, stating, “I wasn’t shocked. That’s what they do.” He encouraged listeners to keep in mind that this type of humour is not unique to Hinchcliffe or Hart’s roast, noting that similar jokes have occurred across multiple roast specials for public figures, including the upcoming Roast of Tom Brady. “It’s a long-standing tradition,” he observed, reiterating that this is part of the comedic landscape for such events.

When asked if he felt Hinchcliffe had crossed a line, Hart replied, “It’s Tony Hinchcliffe. I don’t expect less. I don’t expect more.” He clarified that the boundary-pushing nature of roasts is intended to spark discussions and avoid the “watered-down” versions of comedy where no one is challenged or provoked. Hart also noted that despite the offensive punchline, Hinchcliffe may have delivered one of the best sets of the night.

Hart sympathised with those who found the joke inappropriate, acknowledging that while he understood the comedic realm’s tactics, such humour often amplifies the complexities surrounding real societal issues. He shared his own experiences with jokes targeting his family, underscoring that he doesn’t necessarily take offence at the attempts at humour.

Following the roast, some of Hart’s fellow performers voiced their concerns about the nature of the jokes made during the event. Chelsea Handler, among others, called out Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis for their remarks, labelling them “racist” and “bigoted.” Their complaints highlight the ongoing discourse surrounding the line between comedy and offensiveness in today’s societal climate.

Loren Lorosa, another co-host on The Breakfast Club, brought up the views of George Floyd’s brother, Terrence, who had also weighed in on the tastelessness of the joke. Lorosa questioned whether the public expected Hart, as the producer, to intervene during the live performance. Hart responded by emphasising the live nature of the event and implored listeners to appreciate that the roast contained a variety of jokes that at times referenced painful subjects, even his own lost family members.

“I don’t get affected by the attempt at humour,” Hart stated. “It’s my production. We’re live. So what exactly do you expect me to do?” He expressed frustration at the need for heightened tension around a moment that is, at its core, designed for entertainment.

Ultimately, Hart suggested that audiences should either embrace this style of comedy or opt out of watching if they find it offensive. He concluded by reiterating his understanding of the complexity of such humour but emphasised the importance of context, current views on comedy, and the expectation that guests at roasts know the risk of controversial humour. “If you’re not a fan,” he said, “then you don’t watch it.”

In a time when discussion about race and comedy remains deeply integral to cultural dialogue, Kevin Hart’s insights reflect both the enduring tension between humour and sensitivity, and the evolution of comedy’s role in the public arena.