Kevin Hart Netflix Roast Features Reconciliation, Controversial Jokes, and High-Profile Guests
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Kevin Hart's live Netflix roast on Sunday saw comedian Katt Williams and Hart end a years-long feud, while jokes referencing slavery, lynching, and racial humor sparked online backlash. The event, hosted by Shane Gillis, featured appearances by Dwayne Johnson, Tom Brady, and other celebrities, and was the second installment in Netflix's 'GOAT' roast series.
Facts First
- Katt Williams and Kevin Hart ended their public feud with an embrace after Williams' set.
- Shane Gillis made jokes mocking Hart's height that referenced slavery and lynching, which Gillis stated required 'three weeks of deliberation'.
- Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke about George Floyd that received online backlash, and Pete Davidson and Hinchcliffe both made jokes referencing the N-word.
- Michael Che pulled out of the event due to scheduling difficulties with 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), according to sources.
- The roast featured high-profile guests including Dwayne Johnson, Tom Brady, Chelsea Handler, and Pete Davidson, and was the final night of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest.
What Happened
The Roast of Kevin Hart, hosted by Shane Gillis, streamed live on Netflix from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Sunday night. During the event, comedian Katt Williams and Kevin Hart ended a years-long public feud with an embrace after Williams' set. Williams had previously accused Hart of being an industry plant and stealing movie roles. The roast featured jokes from participants that referenced slavery, lynching, and racial humor. Shane Gillis made jokes mocking Hart's height that referenced slavery and lynching, which Gillis stated required 'three weeks of deliberation'. Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke involving George Floyd that received online backlash, and both Pete Davidson and Tony Hinchcliffe made jokes referencing the N-word without saying the word. Dwayne Johnson, Shane Gillis, and Jeff Ross made jokes about Kevin Hart's late father's addiction to crack cocaine. Comedian Michael Che, originally scheduled to perform, pulled out due to scheduling difficulties with SNL, according to two sources involved in the production.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy celebrity comedy roasts, the event may offer a mix of reconciliation and controversial humor. The end of the feud between Hart and Williams suggests a public conflict has been resolved, which could lead to more collaborative projects. The jokes that sparked backlash, however, highlight ongoing sensitivities around racial humor in comedy. The high-profile nature of the event and its placement as part of Netflix's comedy festival indicates the streaming service is likely to continue investing in live, boundary-pushing entertainment.
What's Next
Netflix's roast franchise appears poised to continue. Jeff Ross, executive producer of the franchise, expressed interest in roasting a pop star, a rock star, a rapper, Drake, or Stevie Wonder in the future. Ross and Tom Brady also discussed the possibility of a 'revenge roast' at a party in Las Vegas. The company had 'thrown around a lot of names' for a potential roast, according to Netflix stand-up comedy chief Robbie Praw, and a 2025 report indicated Will Smith was one of the names considered. The online backlash to specific jokes may influence the tone and content of future roasts.