Kevin Hart is not letting the internet put Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke on his tab.
The comedian is responding after critics claimed he approved the offensive jokes before his Netflix roast, including Hinchcliffe’s controversial joke about George Floyd. The backlash picked up after Hart appeared on The Breakfast Club, where he explained that the comedians involved did not know each other’s material ahead of time. Hart also said roast comics operate independently once they hit the stage.
To make his point even clearer, Hart reposted a clip from the interview and added a lengthy caption aimed at people running with what he called a lazy narrative.
“We are living in crazy times…. Truth no longer matters and it’s pretty damn funny. Nobody does research…. Everyone just assumes and runs with the narrative of click bait. Even when the proof is right in front of your face…. Most will forever choose the lazy road of assumption…. Even when I clearly say that comics are comics and comics operate on their own…. Nobody controls a comedian …. Comedians do what they want and how they want. It’s that simple… the rules to being a comedian are understood by all comedians. Enjoy ur day…. #LiveLoveLaugh P.S NEW MOVIE DROPPING THIS SUMMER!!!!!!!!”
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The issue centers on Hinchcliffe’s set, which drew criticism from viewers and public figures who felt the George Floyd joke crossed a line. Hart addressed the joke directly during his interview, saying it “wasn’t tasteful,” while still making it clear he does not believe he should be held responsible for another comedian’s material.
That has not stopped the debate. Some critics argue that a roast still goes through production decisions, while others say the entire format is built on comics taking their own swings, even when the jokes land badly. D.L. Hughley later said Hart should not be blamed for a joke he did not write, but questioned the broader editorial choices around the special.
For Hart, though, the line is simple: he hosted the roast, but he did not write every punchline. And now, he wants the internet to stop acting like he did.
