Chelsea Handler slams Kevin Hart Roast ‘bigots’ for ‘racist’ remarks: ‘Lynching is not a joke’

Chelsea Handler isn't holding back her thoughts regarding Netflix’s recent "The Roast of Kevin Hart." The comedian recently slammed Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe, publicly labeling them "bigots" for a series of "racist" remarks made during the special.

The Podcast Critique

Speaking on Deon Cole’s podcast "Funny Knowing You," as reported by Variety, Handler didn't mince words. She stated, "It’s just everything we know: that they’re racist, that they’re bigots, that they’re sexist. That they think they’re invincible."

Controversy Over Lynch Jokes

Handler specifically took issue with a joke from Gillis, who suggested that because Hart is "so short, you’d have to lynch him from a bonsai tree." Calling the joke "gross," Handler emphasized that lynching is not a subject for comedy.

"Lynching is not a joke. That’s worse than rape. You’re not joking about rape, are you? … You know you can’t do that, but you can say ‘lynching’?" Handler asked during the interview.

Responses and Additional Criticisms

In a response provided to Variety, Gillis dismissed the criticism by saying, "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 17th at the football stadium in Philly."

Beyond the roast, Handler also condemned Gillis and Hinchcliffe for their jokes targeting Sheryl Underwood’s late husband, who passed away by suicide in 1990. Handler labeled the comments as "disgusting," marking yet another point of contention between the comedians and the host as reported here on 205focus.com.