Netflix has removed several controversial jokes from the live roast of comedian Kevin Hart, which aired as the finale of the streaming service's Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival. The special, titled "The Roast of Kevin Hart," was hosted by Shane Gillis and featured a panel of comedians and surprise guests delivering sharp, often brutal jokes aimed at Hart and each other.
Jokes Cut from the Broadcast
Comedy writers confirmed that multiple jokes were edited out of the final version. Among the cuts was a joke referencing Lizzo's role in the film "Hustlers," another alluding to Hart's lack of #MeToo allegations, and a third about his controversial appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. The decision to remove these jokes has sparked discussion about the boundaries of comedy and censorship on streaming platforms.
Tom Brady's Surprise Appearance
One of the evening's highlights was the unexpected appearance of former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who interrupted the roast to deliver his own set of jokes. Brady notably made a joke that subtly referenced Kevin Hart's 2017 cheating scandal in Las Vegas, for which Hart had publicly apologized to his then-pregnant wife, Eniko. Brady's joke alluded to his own "affairs in Las Vegas," drawing laughter from the audience.
The roast was part of Netflix's broader comedy festival, which featured numerous stand-up specials and events. The editing decisions reflect the ongoing tension between creative freedom and audience sensitivities in the streaming era.
