A joke comparing comedian Tony Hinchcliffe to Melania Trump was cut from Kevin Hart's Netflix roast special, according to a writer for the event. The joke, which targeted Hinchcliffe for his infamous 'garbage' comment about Puerto Rico at a 2024 Trump rally, read: 'Tony is like Melania: The only thing relevant about him is that he opened for Trump once.'
The roast, hosted by Shane Gillis and featuring Pete Davidson, Chelsea Handler, and others, aired on Netflix. Writer Madison Sinclair revealed the cut joke to Variety, though the reason for its removal remains unclear. The revelation comes amid tensions between the Trump family and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania.
Days before a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Kimmel joked that Melania had the glow of an 'expectant widow.' After the shooting, Melania called for ABC to take Kimmel's show off air, and President Trump echoed the demand on Truth Social, calling Kimmel 'in no way funny.' Jimmy Kimmel Live! was later suspended in September 2024 over remarks about the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
Other jokes cut from the Netflix special included ones about Lizzo's weight, #MeToo, and Hart's participation in a Saudi government-funded comedy festival. Hart, 46, appeared unfazed by the jokes that made it to air.
