Chelsea Handler has criticized Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe for making what she describes as 'racist,' 'bigots,' and 'sexist' jokes during Netflix’s Roast of Kevin Hart.
Handler's Reaction
During her appearance on the Funny Knowing You podcast with Deon Cole, Handler revealed she received social media messages from alleged former partners of Gillis and Hinchcliffe. When asked about the messages, she said, 'It’s just everything we know, that they’re racist, that they’re bigots, they’re sexist.'
Cole asked if she enjoyed any jokes from the roast, to which Handler responded, 'No. I mean, it was ick. It was gross.'
Specific Jokes Criticized
Handler specifically called out Gillis’ joke about lynching: 'Kevin is so short, you’d have to lynch him from a bonsai tree,' a line he delivered during the episode. 'I don’t find those jokes to be funny,' Handler stated. 'Jokes about lynching Black people, lynching is not a joke. That’s worse than rape.'
In response to Handler's comments, Gillis shared a statement with The Hollywood Reporter: 'This is a big moment for Chelsea. I am glad she’s capitalizing. Good for her. We’re all rooting for her. Anyway come see me July 17 at the football stadium in Philly.'
Hinchcliffe's Controversial Remarks
Handler also took issue with Hinchcliffe’s comments about Sheryl Underwood. He referenced Underwood’s late husband Michael Sparkman’s suicide, saying, 'Her husband committed suicide three years into the marriage. I’ve been sitting next to her for two hours, and I have to ask, how did he last that long?' Handler responded, 'I find that to be gross. I found them making fun of Sheryl Underwood’s dead husband, who committed suicide, is gross.'
She added, 'You know, she’s fine with that. If she says she’s fine with that, she’s fine with that. I wasn’t fine with that.'
Outrage Over Other Jokes
Hinchcliffe also faced backlash for a joke referencing George Floyd. 'The Black community is so proud of you,' he said of Hart. 'Right now, George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard he can’t breathe.'
Handler concluded, 'There was so much disgustingness, that I knew it was gonna be a gross vibe that I would be able to elevate it no problem.'
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/chelsea-handler-shane-gillis-tony-hinchcliffe-racist-kevin-hart-1236602897/
