Controversy Erupts Over Tony Hinchcliffe’s Jokes

George Floyd’s family is deeply upset about remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during “The Roast of Kevin Hart” on May 10. While on stage, Hinchcliffe directed a comment at Hart, saying, “The black community is so proud of you, right now George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard that he can’t breathe.” This isn’t the first time Hinchcliffe has joked about Floyd; he previously did so during “The Roast of Tom Brady” in 2024.

Travis Cains, a spokesperson for The Gianna and George Floyd Foundation, expressed dismay over Hart allowing Hinchcliffe to take the stage again. Cains stated that Hart’s apparent acceptance of the joke is “sad for the culture,” as reported by TMZ.

Floyd’s family and friends have voiced concerns, labeling Hinchcliffe a “racist comedian.” They questioned how Hart might react if one of his own friends had died in a similar manner. According to a statement from the foundation, they are working to improve conditions for their community.

“Let’s try to be a little bit more positive — and not sit up there doing colon inspections by white comedians,” the foundation added.

In contrast, some social media users defended the roast, pushing back against the backlash. One user praised the event, claiming it demonstrated that “WOKE IS DEAD,” and highlighted how Hinchcliffe and others delivered bold, offensive jokes at a Hollywood-centric event.

Garrett Gravley from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) commented that a roast is meant to be irreverent and scathing, referencing the careers of comedians like Joan Rivers and Gilbert Gottfried, who built their reputations on such humor.

Reflecting on the past, Hinchcliffe had previously poked fun at Rob Gronkowski during the Brady roast, saying Gronkowski looked like “the final boss in George Floyd the video game.”