Michael Che Critiques Netflix’s Writer Diversity
Michael Che, known for his role on “Saturday Night Live,” recently took a jab at Netflix, pointing out the predominance of white writers after Kevin Hart stepped back from a project. The situation was highlighted further when an article appeared online, authored by a white writer, discussing a black comedian’s rise.
Che remarked, “White people and black people joke differently.” He emphasized this contrast by remarking that the style of jokes varies significantly, noting, for instance, that white comedic themes might include serious social issues, whereas black humor leans towards everyday quirks like shoes.
Following his statement, Che criticized the writing staff involved in the roast of Kevin Hart on Instagram. In one of his posts—which has since been deleted—he pointed out a roster predominantly composed of white writers, questioning their understanding of black comedic culture.
“Let’s toast to the most successful black comic career of the past decade,” Che suggested sarcastically. In a visual slide, he showcased a group of five white writers affiliated with the production.
This remark inadvertently implied that prominent black comedians, such as Katt Williams, were not penning their own material. Che’s observation wasn’t entirely accurate, though, as it turned out that many black comedians had indeed contributed their writing talents, alongside several other diverse voices.
David Lucas, one of the black writers involved, confirmed his participation in the roast, expressing gratitude on his own Instagram. Additionally, other notable contributors included Jeron Horton and various women writers.
In light of the backlash, Che issued a statement where he acknowledged the reality of the writers being white but added a somewhat dismissive comment about the situation. He ended on a peculiar note, highlighting the importance of respecting personal boundaries during creative projects.
