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Apr 3, 2025 4:52 pm
Global Media Network
George Floyd Joke Sparks Outrage
The family of George Floyd has strongly criticized comedian Tony Hinchcliffe after he made another controversial joke involving Floyd during Kevin Hart’s comedy roast. According to reports released Monday, a spokesperson for the The Gianna & George Floyd Foundation described the joke as “sad for the culture.” During the roast event, Hinchcliffe made a remark while speaking about Hart and the Black community. The comment quickly drew backlash online and renewed criticism over jokes connected to Floyd’s death. Family members and supporters of Floyd reportedly felt the topic should never have been included in the show. They also questioned why Floyd continues to be used in controversial comedy material years after his death. The foundation said it is focused on helping communities heal and improve conditions through positive work. Representatives added that public figures should try to encourage unity instead of making offensive jokes tied to painful events. The latest controversy quickly spread across social media platforms, where many users criticized Hinchcliffe’s comments and called them disrespectful. Others defended the roast format, arguing that celebrity roast events often include harsh and controversial jokes. Still, many viewers said the joke crossed a line because it involved a real-life tragedy connected to racial injustice and police violence. The roast also sparked criticism for comments directed at Sheryl Underwood and her late husband. Several viewers said those jokes targeted personal pain that Underwood has openly discussed in public for years. Hinchcliffe has faced backlash before over similar material. In 2024, during a roast linked to former NFL star Tom Brady, Hinchcliffe made another joke involving Floyd while speaking about former football player Rob Gronkowski. That earlier joke also caused criticism online and renewed debates about the limits of comedy and free speech. The discussion returned again in 2025 after rapper Lil Yachty previewed an unreleased song during streamer Plaqueboymax’s livestream. The song reportedly included a controversial reference to Floyd and triggered another wave of backlash online. George Floyd’s death in 2020 became a major moment in modern American history. His killing during an arrest in Minneapolis sparked protests across the United States and many other countries. The case also increased worldwide conversations about policing, racism, and social justice. Since then, Floyd’s family and supporters have continued working through the Gianna & George Floyd Foundation to support community programs and social justice efforts. Critics of the latest joke argue that using Floyd’s death for comedy ignores the emotional pain still felt by many people connected to the case. Supporters of roast comedy, however, argue that comedians often push boundaries and test public reactions as part of the format. The debate highlights an ongoing divide over where audiences believe comedy should draw the line, especially when jokes involve real deaths, trauma, or public tragedies. Neither Kevin Hart nor Tony Hinchcliffe had publicly responded to the criticism at the time of reporting. The controversy continues to generate strong reactions online, with many people debating whether some topics should remain off-limits in comedy performances.
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