Pete Davidson has ignited controversy with a provocative joke about the late Charlie Kirk during a Netflix comedy special, drawing sharp criticism from viewers who deemed it 'completely unacceptable'. The 32-year-old former Saturday Night Live star performed at The Roast of Kevin Hart, streamed live on Sunday night, and targeted fellow comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, a known Donald Trump supporter, with remarks that also took aim at Kirk and rapper Kanye West.
Davidson's Joke Sparks Backlash
Davidson began his segment by saying, 'Tony Hinchcliffe's here, looking like both a child molester and the doll they give the child to show where he touched them.' He then added, 'Tony reminds me of Charlie Kirk, in that he's definitely been on camera letting a guy unload in his throat.' The audience reacted with stunned silence and groans, while Hinchcliffe's expression showed discomfort before he laughed.
Reactions to the Controversial Comment
Kirk, the late right-wing activist and Turning Point USA leader, was fatally shot during a speech at Utah Valley University in September. He was a close ally of President Trump and known for his controversial stances on trans rights and gun control. Davidson's joke drew immediate backlash online. Alyssa Mazziotta commented on Instagram, 'We watched it live and that room went actually silent. Even Tiffany Haddish had her mouth wide open.' Influencer @onlypatriotjake called Davidson 'delusional' and 'needed help', describing the joke as 'disheartening, rude and vile'. He added, 'There is no normal person who would actually bring up someone's assassination and turn it into a joke.' Other users echoed the sentiment, with @valance.queen saying, 'Really thought he was one of the guys. Just as VILE as the rest.' Adam Humphries wrote, 'These kinds of jokes sicken me to my stomach, it doesn't matter who it is, these jokes are not okay whatsoever.' Becky Blake added, 'I hope your career goes in the toilet.'
Defenders Cite Roast Context
However, some defended Davidson's free speech, citing the nature of a roast. Robert Portillo argued, 'I was a supporter of Kirk. But it's a roast, nobody is off limits. They joked about Pete's dead father from 9/11. They made fun of Cheryl Underwood's dead husband. Made fun of Kevin Hart's abusive dad's past. Nobody is off limits.' Joe San Miguel agreed, 'They make jokes about his dead dad all the time. Fair game.' Sikwan Kanhai called the set 'absolutely hilarious'.
Additional Controversial Remarks
Davidson continued his routine, referencing Hinchcliffe's podcast 'Kill Tony' by saying, 'Oh, you don't know me? Yeah. Yeah. Kill Tony! Please. Someone f**king kill Tony!' He then addressed his feud with Kanye West, stating, 'Tony, nothing you say tonight will hurt my feelings. I was in a beef with Kanye, so I've taken shots from better gay Nazis.' West, who has faced controversy over antisemitic comments, recently had his Wireless Festival slot cancelled after being blocked from entering the UK.
This is not the first time Davidson has faced criticism for his jokes. He recently sparked outrage for joking about watching porn in front of his baby daughter, saying it was hard but 'I power through'. Davidson welcomed his daughter Scottie with partner Elsie Hewitt in December.
