Comedian Kevin Hart has addressed a controversial joke made during his Netflix roast that left many viewers surprised. The roast, which featured prominent comedians like Lizzo, Pete Davidson, Regina Hall, and Sheryl Underwood, took a turn when Tony Hinchcliffe made a biting comment about the late George Floyd, referencing his tragic death in 2020.

Reflecting on the incident during an interview, Hart described the joke as “distasteful” but noted that such humor is a common element in roasts. He emphasized that he wasn’t shocked by the content of the roast, highlighting that racial humor is a standard part of the genre.

When asked about Hinchcliffe’s joke and whether it crossed a line, Hart responded that he expected that style of humor from Hinchcliffe and didn’t find it surprising. He defended the nature of roasts, pointing out that edgy humor is a regular feature in such events.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of such jokes, with Hart urging listeners not to associate him personally with the content of the roast. He emphasized that as a performer, he is not responsible for every joke made during the event.

Criticism of the roast extended beyond Hart, with figures like Chelsea Handler and Marlon Wayans expressing disapproval of the jokes made by Hinchcliffe and fellow comedian Shane Gillis. Handler labeled the jokes as “racist” and “sexist,” highlighting the need for humor to be tasteful and respectful even in a comedic setting.

The incident sparked a debate about the boundaries of comedy and the importance of ensuring that humor does not come at the expense of sensitivity and respect.