Nationwide — Dr. Umar Johnson criticized Kevin Hart’s Netflix roast, arguing several jokes crossed racial lines and disrespected Black history. He sparked debate after calling out the special and Hart’s response during the comedy event.
According to EURWeb, the controversy grew after Netflix released “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” which quickly spread online and triggered strong reactions. The special featured multiple comedians and placed Hart at the center of sharp public jokes.
In a commentary video published by Hype+, Dr. Umar Johnson said several segments went too far. He pointed to jokes referencing slavery, racial stereotypes, and the death of George Floyd as examples he viewed as unacceptable in a comedy setting.
Umar also questioned Hart’s reaction during the roast, noting moments where he appeared to laugh along. He argued that success in entertainment should not come at the cost of cultural respect. He also criticized Netflix for allowing the material in a high-profile special.
Members of Kevin Hart’s comedy circle, the Plastic Cup Boyz, responded on social media. Spank Horton pushed back at Umar’s comments and referenced ongoing criticism around Umar’s FDMG Academy. Dwayne Brown also joined in, shifting attention toward Umar’s past fundraising controversies.
The discussion expanded online as supporters on both sides debated the limits of comedy. Some argued that roast formats allow unrestricted jokes, while others said topics tied to racial violence and slavery require stricter boundaries regardless of intent.
Kevin Hart has not directly responded to the criticism. Instead, he highlighted the success of the Netflix special, which Hype+ reported reached about 13.5 million views and ranked among the platform’s most-watched programs in May.