Kevin Hart Faces Backlash After Laughing During Controversial George Floyd Joke at Netflix Roast

Kevin Hart is facing heavy criticism online after viewers accused the comedian of laughing along to a controversial George Floyd joke made during Netflix’s The Roast of Kevin Hart. The backlash erupted shortly after the live roast special aired, with social media users condemning both comedian Tony Hinchcliffe for the joke itself and Hart for appearing amused during the moment. The incident quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the event, overshadowing many of the roast’s celebrity appearances and viral comedic exchanges. (HOT 97)

During his set, Hinchcliffe referenced George Floyd in a joke that immediately sparked outrage online. According to reports and viral clips circulating across X, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, many viewers felt the joke crossed a line given the circumstances surrounding Floyd’s 2020 death and the global protests that followed afterward. Critics also focused on Kevin Hart’s reaction during the exchange, with some accusing the comedian of enabling offensive humor by laughing on stage rather than distancing himself from the moment. (HOT 97)

The controversy has since expanded beyond the roast itself, with members of George Floyd’s family and numerous online commentators reportedly speaking out against the joke. Social media discussions intensified as clips from the Netflix special continued spreading online, reigniting broader debates about the limits of comedy, roast culture, and whether certain topics should remain off-limits regardless of context. While some defended the performance by arguing that roast comedy has historically involved shocking and offensive material, others argued that references to Floyd’s death were inappropriate and unnecessarily inflammatory. (Instagram)

Despite the backlash, the roast has generated massive attention online, becoming one of Netflix’s most heavily discussed live comedy events in recent memory. The special featured appearances from major comedians, athletes, and entertainers, continuing Netflix’s push into large-scale live comedy programming. However, the controversy surrounding the George Floyd joke has now become a central focus of public discussion surrounding the event, placing renewed scrutiny on both the comedians involved and the evolving boundaries of modern roast comedy. (EW.com)