A scathing joke about Melania Trump was cut from Kevin Hart's Netflix roast, joining other controversial gags that did not make it to air. The roast, streamed live on Sunday, featured comedians like Chelsea Handler, Regina Hall, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Sheryl Underwood.
Cut Jokes Revealed
Writer Madison Sinclair told Variety that the Melania Trump line, aimed at Tony Hinchcliffe, was: 'Tony is like Melania, the only thing relevant about him is that he opened for Trump once.' Other cut jokes targeted #MeToo, Lizzo's weight, and Hart's participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival.
Pete Davidson's Controversial Joke
While the Melania joke was axed, Pete Davidson's gag about Charlie Kirk aired, sparking backlash. Davidson said: 'Tony Hinchcliffe's here, looking like both a child molester and the doll they give the child to show where he touched them. Tony reminds me of Charlie Kirk, in that he's definitely been on camera letting a guy unload in his throat.' Kirk, a right-wing activist, was fatally shot in September. Viewers called the joke 'completely unacceptable,' while others defended it as free speech.
Context of Melania Joke Removal
The decision to cut the Melania joke follows controversy over Jimmy Kimmel's recent quip about the First Lady, which led to Donald Trump and Melania calling for his firing. Kimmel joked about Melania looking like an 'expectant widow' and whispering 'What have I done?' The joke preceded an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents Dinner, after which Melania condemned Kimmel's 'hateful rhetoric.'
The roast continues to generate debate over the boundaries of comedy, with Netflix facing scrutiny for airing some jokes while cutting others.
