The controversy continues to unfold over that inappropriate George Floyd joke Tony Hinchcliffe made at “The Roast of Kevin Hart.” Fellow comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery criticized the moment as offensive and called out the audience for their lack of reaction. Check out our coverage on comedy controversies here! (#)
What Happened at the Roast?
On Tuesday morning, Lil Rel took to Instagram, sharing how “disgusting” he found the moment. He reflected on how he would’ve reacted if he’d been in the audience, although he’s pretty sure he already knows the answer.
If you missed Sunday’s live roast on Netflix, Hinchcliffe hit Hart with, “The Black community is so proud of you… right now George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard he can’t breathe.” Lil Rel, who participated in the “Roast of Bruce Willis” back in 2018, couldn’t understand why Hinchcliffe felt the need to make a “needless” joke about someone who has passed away. He was also deeply troubled that the audience had no problem booing controversial NBA player Draymond Green throughout the night, yet remained silent when it came to confronting Hinchcliffe’s joke.
This wasn’t merely a slip of the tongue; it felt like a serious affront to many, highlighting the necessity for comedians to think carefully about their words and the real-life implications they hold. The audience, which laughed at the joke, drew Lil Rel’s ire. He pointed out that in a space meant for humor, there should also be a level of respect for the deceased and their families.
The Backlash: Community Reactions
TMZ reported that family and friends of Floyd are outraged and upset with both Hinchcliffe and Kevin for that moment. They feel that Kevin should’ve intervened and told Tony to avoid such sensitive topics, especially since this marks the second roast in a row where Tony made a joke at Floyd’s expense.
During the Tom Brady roast, Tony remarked that Rob Gronkowski “looked like the final boss in George Floyd the video game.” Such comments not only undermine the significance of George Floyd’s legacy but also shed light on the insensitivity that can emerge in comedic circles.
Lil Rel Howery’s comments resonate with a larger dialogue about accountability in comedy. When comedians like Hinchcliffe make light of tragic circumstances, it can seem like they’re exploiting pain for laughs. The comedy scene should prioritize humor that uplifts rather than diminishes others.
Impact on George Floyd’s Family
Now, George’s daughter, Gianna, is 12 years old—she was just 6 when he passed away—and a representative from The Gianna and George Floyd Foundation shared that she’s facing bullying at school. It seems these jokes aren’t doing her any favors.
The legacy of George Floyd isn’t just material for jokes; it’s a real experience for his family. Gianna deserves the opportunity to grow up without her father’s tragic death being turned into a punchline. The repercussions of these jokes extend beyond the stage, shaping societal attitudes and complicating the healing journey for those who loved him.